A. HOBY is a youth leadership organization founded more than 50 years ago, with seminars worldwide. A HOBY leader is a student who will get noticed by college admissions counselors not just because of the name recognition, but most often through the service they go on to lead and their positive attitude.
The program is open to sophomores from throughout Tennessee who are selected by their schools. General information about the HOBY program and history can be found at www.hoby.org.
A. Every school in Tennessee is invited to send an ambassador from their school to the Tennessee HOBY seminar. If you or your child wants to attend, get in touch with your school's sophomore guidance counselor and ask them how you can apply to be your school's representative.
Some schools hold an essay contest; others choose interested students who have shown leadership potential in their school.
A. The cost for one student to attend Tennessee HOBY is $150, and one additional student can attend for $325. This fee covers room, board and all food and drinks during the three-day conference at a local university. HOBY is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the seminar, and will also be asked to pay a $20 refundable deposit for their dorm room key.
Most often, schools consider it an honor to be represented and find it in their budgets to sponsor a student. Many civic groups also support HOBY and will often cover the cost of a student to attend if money is an issue.
A. HOBY 2010 will be held May 14-16, 2010 on the campus of Lipscomb University in Nashville. Students sleep in dormitories and the bulk of our activities take place in the school's auditorium just across the lawn. Registered students will receive more information about exactly what to bring, where to go, and what to expect about 4-6 weeks before the seminar starts.
Ambassadors are responsible for their own transportation to the HOBY seminar. If getting there is a problem, contact us or your school counselor for help with carpooling.
A. No. Every minute of our schedule is packed with activities, cheers, discussions, leadership building and guest speakers to empower you to lead and excel, starting the day you leave our seminar.
We understand that students are busy, and springtime can be hectic. But we cannot allow any students to come on an adjusted schedule.
If you're a school counselor and the student you've picked is concerned about conflicts, be sure you've selected and registered an alternate at HOBY Online and don't lose your school's chance to participate.
A. Tennessee HOBY is affiliated with HOBY International, but the local seminar is run entirely by dedicated volunteers, many of whom are alumni of the program themselves.
Who are we? Our volunteers are attorneys, reporters, teachers, college students and non-profit professionals. We come from varied backgrounds and across Tennessee. Our goal is to share with each ambassador what HOBY has given to us: a focus for our service, the ability to challenge traditional thought and the courage to lead.
A. No, and here's why: when a student gets to the Lipscomb campus, there's a good chance she won't know a single other student there. This is a very good thing, because students quickly find themselves free of the peer pressure and insecurities that come with a reputation-driven society and find their voice.
When you arrive, HOBY senior staffers will provide you with a schedule and emergency contact list so you will know where your son or daughter will be in the case of emergency.
A. No. One of the goals is to meet dozens of people you never would've met and expand your circle. We will assign you a roommate before you arrive, and there will be plenty of opportunities to make new friends outside your small group and roommate.
A. We truly do pack every minute we can with learning opportunities and fun. An ambassador should not come to HOBY expecting to spend hours prepping for a math final or making hourlong phone calls to friends at home.
There will be no cell phone use during the seminar except in case of emergency and cells should be left in the dorm rooms. There will be about 20 minutes each night before "lights out" to call parents.
