| Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Foundation | |
| Founder: | Hugh O'Brian |
| Founding Location: | Los Angeles |
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| Purpose: | Empower youth to make lasting, positive change in their communities. |
| Area Served: | or |
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The Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Foundation (HOBY) is an organization dedicated "to inspiring and developing our global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service, and innovation."
Founded in 1958 by American actor Hugh O'Brian, the first youth leadership seminar was held in Los Angeles, California, and was held once a year until 1967. Since then, the HOBY program has spread to over 70 locations in all fifty U.S. states, and 19 countries and regions.
To attend seminars in the United States, a student must be chosen by their high school out of all students in that school's sophomore class. At the seminars, students participate in programs designed to enhance their leadership and teamwork skills. Students also meet and converse with leaders in their community in fields such as volunteerism, media, education, philanthropy, and politics, among others. They also discuss the day and their activities in small groups, as well as their life and feelings. They also participate in energizing cheers in between panels and in any free time they have.
In late July, HOBY has a World Leadership Congress (WLC), which is hosted in a major U.S. city. The WLC is attended by hundreds of HOBY students from all over the world. Since its inception, over 500,000 students have attended HOBY programs from all 50 states and 15+ countries. The 2023-2024 WLC will be held in Chicago, Illinois.
The Albert Schweitzer Leadership Award is presented to individuals who have distinguished themselves through service to mankind and who have contributed significantly through leading, educating and motivating youth.
Partial list of past recipients of the Albert Schweitzer Leadership Award include:[1] [2]