What exactly is HOBY and what does it stand for?

I've seen HOBY mentioned a couple of times on college apps threads. Could someone fill me in on what it is and what it stands for? Is it something I should look into participating in before senior year?

HOBY stands for Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership, and it's a non-profit organization that hosts leadership seminars for high school sophomores in the United States. Each year, schools nominate students to attend a HOBY seminar, which usually takes place during the spring or summer. The seminars are typically three to four days long and involve various activities, workshops, and guest speakers, all designed to help develop leadership skills and inspire young people to make a positive impact in their communities.

HOBY alumni often continue their leadership journey by coordinating or volunteering for community service projects, joining clubs, or taking on leadership roles in their schools. Participating in HOBY can be a valuable experience, and could be a great way to showcase your leadership skills and commitment to community service in your college applications.

Since the program is generally geared towards sophomores, you might want to explore other leadership opportunities if you'll be entering your senior year soon. Reach out to your school counselor to see if your school is involved in HOBY and discuss the possibilities.