ANNUAL LEADERSHIP SEMINAR
What is the HOBY State Leadership Seminar?
Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) is the nation's foremost youth leadership development organization. HOBY programs provide youth with unique leadership training to make a better world.
Every Spring, more than 9,000 high school sophomores from across the country are chosen to represent their high schools in HOBY State Leadership Seminars. These seminars empower students to recognize their leadership talents and apply them to becoming effective, ethical leaders in their home, school, and community. Selected students attend our four-day seminars and participate in hands-on activities, meet leaders in their state, and explore their own personal leadership skills while learning how to lead others and make a positive impact in their community.
The curriculum is based on the Social Change Model of Leadership and develops leadership from three perspectives: Personal Leadership, Group Leadership, and Leadership for Society.
Why HOBY?
At HOBY, We believe the most valuable resource communities can invest in is their youth. We provide students with an amazing opportunity to learn how to lead and make a difference in the world. We teach young leaders "how to think, not what to think" - creatively, critically, and compassionately.
HOBY Ambassadors will have the distinction of representing their school and state. Students have an unforgettable experience and develop leadership skills which will serve them long into the future.
HOBY is also a highlight of any high school resume. The program is well-known among college admissions officers and provides students with access to additional recognition and scholarships, such as the Presidential Service Award.
The West Virginia State Seminar
The West Virginia HOBY Leadership Seminar is held annually in either May or June at a college or university in West Virginia.
Previous Hosting Institutions
Fairmont University
West Virginia University
Marshall University
University of Charleston
West Virginia State University
Jackson's Mill
If you are currently a sophomore in high school, ask your guidance counselor(s) how YOU can attend HOBY. Additionally, if you are a sophomore and were not selected by your school but are interested in attending, please reach out to us for information on how you can have a community organization nominate you.