Programs at HOBY
Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership provides lifelong leadership development opportunities that empower individuals to achieve their highest potential.
U.S. State Leadership Seminars
Known as HOBY’s flagship program, the Leadership Seminar is designed for high school sophomores to recognize their leadership talents and apply them in becoming effective, ethical leaders in their home, schools, workplace and community. The high level of energy, encouragement and motivation as well as the interaction with peers, panelists and volunteers are important elements in nurturing the students’ future leadership roles.
In addition, students participate in hands-on leadership activities and meet state leaders in such as areas as business, government, education, media and the non-profit sector. There are approximately 70 Leadership Seminars held each spring throughout the United States. Local volunteer committees plan, organize and run these three-or four-day seminars, and also raise the funds to pay for program expenses. Each September, every accredited public, private and charter high school in the country is invited to select and register an outstanding sophomore as their representative to their local state seminar. Currently, nearly 9,000 sophomores, representing as many high schools nationwide, attend HOBY Leadership Seminars annually. Participants need not have attended a CLeW to attend a Leadership Seminar.
Learn more about this spring’s seminar schedule »
World Leadership Congress (WLC)
Upon completing a Leadership Seminar, U.S. high school sophomores have the opportunity to advance to HOBY’s next level of leadership programs known as the World Leadership Congress (WLC). The WLC is HOBY’s oldest program and the only one open to international students aged 15-17. The week-long intensive educational program has been in Washington DC for the past 10 years and is now moving to Los Angeles, CA. The WLC brings together youth with demonstrated leadership potential to interact with accomplished professionals and influential leaders. Each year, approximately 400 students representing 20 countries attend this unique international program comprised of speakers’ panels, interactive workshops, field trips, and more. HOBY’s student ambassadors emerge from the WLC more mature individuals, cognizant of the world around them, and ready to make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Learn more about the WLC
Community Leadership Workshops (CLeWs)
The Community Leadership Workshop (CLeW) is a one-day introductory HOBY leadership training for high school freshmen. CLeWs provide face-to-face interaction between freshmen students and distinguished leaders from all walks of life. Students participate in team-building activities, take part in community service projects, and listen to presentations given by motivational speakers and local community leaders. CLeWs are initiated and organized by HOBY’s own alumni and/or members of the community, and are sponsored by local service clubs or companies. High schools are invited directly by the planning committees to select freshmen students to attend. The number of schools and students invited to participate in a given CLeW is determined by the committee.
Plan a CLeW in your community
College Options Program
HOBY has partnered with the College Options Foundation to make “The Complete Guide to College Financing and Admissions” DVD program available to parents, HOBY ambassadors, and alumni.
This DVD program takes students and parents through the entire college selection, admissions, and financing process and includes amazing resources to help college-bound students in this often confusing and trying process.
The DVD program covers the following topics:
- The College Selection and Admissions Process
- Key Interview and Essay Skills
- College Financial Aid & Packaging
- Scholarships
- Creative and Military Options for College Financing
- Student Planning Guide
- College Success
As a special bonus for HOBY ambassadors, alumni and parents: with each “The Complete Guide to College Financing and Admissions” purchased, you’ll also receive “Zero Hour Threat,” the SAT Prep Game CD, developed by The College Options Foundation and Disney I.D.E.A.S.
What parents have to say about “The Complete Guide to College Financing and Admissions”
The DVD’s are an excellent resource if you have or will have a child going to college. With my schedule I don't have the time to research all of this information on the internet but Terry has taken that concern off my shoulders. Great Value for the money.
It's terrific!!! I finally had time to begin looking at this week. I'm very excited about the advice on guiding parents like me thru the college maze. We intend to share the info with our guidance counselor.
Listen to feedback and preview the DVD program
This DVD program is available to HOBY Ambassadors, Parents and Alumni for a limited time at the discounted rate of $35.
Orders are due by July 31, 2009 – Please allow 4-6 weeks for order processing. For more information about this program, please contact Cheryl Brenn at brennc@hoby.org.
Alumni Chapters & Clubs
Alumni of any of HOBY’s programs also have the opportunity to continue their leadership and volunteer experiences through a network of local HOBY Alumni Chapters. Through on-going community service, instructional workshops and fellowship activities, HOBY alumni are able to maintain their educational and leadership growth. Alumni programs are developed and executed by the alumni, with guidance from experienced HOBY volunteers. Many alumni also return to HOBY to volunteer as leaders in developing and planning the Leadership Seminars, WLC and CLeWs.
Learn more about alumni opportunities