HOBY stands for Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership. HOBY was founded in 1958 by our namesake, Hugh O’Brian. Connecticut HOBY was founded in 1978, celebrating well over 35 years! 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 programs are conducted annually throughout the United States, serving local and international high school students. HOBY programs provide students selected by their schools to participate in unique leadership training, service-learning, and motivation-building experiences.

Here in Connecticut, we host programs throughout the state serving all eight counties. Our flagship program is the Leadership Seminar, which is currently hosted at Southern Connecticut State University in June each year. To find more about programs we offer to the youth of our state, please click here.

HOBY also provides adults with opportunities to make a significant impact on the lives of youth by volunteering. Over 4,000 committed HOBY volunteers to plan and execute the programs each year, serving both at the local HOBY affiliate level and on HOBY’s Board of Trustees. Due to the selfless efforts of volunteers and the contributions of generous donors, nearly 10,000 students participate in HOBY programs annually.

Today, over 435,000 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/us, volunteer, or supporter.