About HOBY

HOBY’s mission is to inspire and develop our global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service and innovation.

HOBY was founded by Hugh O’Brian in 1958 in response to Dr. Albert Schweitzer’s remark, “The most important thing in education is to teach young people to think for themselves.” HOBY seeks out, recognizes, and rewards leadership potential in high school sophomores by giving them the opportunity to build their leadership potential during a three or four day seminar. High school sophomores are chosen because their age is critical in focusing on future goals and forming opinions for adulthood. These students have the unique opportunity to create a “ripple effect” from their HOBY experience by utilizing the remaining time in their high school career to lead others and lay the foundation for a strong future. HOBY challenges students on not what to think, but how to think.

Today, over 375,000 proud alumni make HOBY stronger than ever. HOBY alumni are leaders in their schools and communities, throughout the United States and the world, making a difference for others through service.

Want to see the impact of HOBY first-hand? Get involved as a student, school, parent, alumna, volunteer or supporter. Learn more about HOBY at www.hoby.org.