Skip to content

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the next HOBY Tennessee seminar?

The seminar will take place May 17-19, 2024 at UT Southern in Pulaski, TN.

How much does it cost to attend?

The cost to send a student ambassador to the 2024 HOBY Tennessee seminar is $375. This cost covers housing, dining, facility usage fees, and supplies for the student during the seminar. All positions are 100% volunteer based.

Who can attend the seminar?

Every high school in Tennessee can send up to 4 students each year to the seminar. Starting in January 2024, community groups will have the opportunity to nominate students.

What happens at a HOBY Tennessee seminar?

HOBY seminars are specifically designed to help teach students how to think, not what to think.  Dynamic speakers and community leaders will interact with students to discuss a variety of topics such as volunteerism, business, politics, and human rights.  Students form friendships and make connections with other sophomores from across Tennessee in small groups, and learn more about their own leadership skills and interests with a variety of educational games and activities.

Community service is a vital element of every HOBY seminar, and HOBY TN ambassadors will participate in a community service activity during the seminar and challenged to volunteer at least 100 hours of service in their own communities within the next year.

Who runs HOBY Tennessee?

HOBY Tennessee is affiliated with HOBY International, but the local program is run entirely by dedicated volunteers, many of whom are alumni from the program themselves.

Who are we? Our volunteers are attorneys, reporters, teachers, college students, event planners, medics, and non-profit professionals. Our goal is to share with each ambassador what HOBY has given us: a focus for our service, the ability to challenge traditional thought, and the courage to lead. Each volunteer is carefully screened by HOBY International staff, completed a background check, and participated in training events throughout the year.

Can students leave the seminar early or arrive late if they have a conflict such as a sports meet, prom, graduation, or need to study for a test?

No. To participate in HOBY, students must be able to attend the full program. We understand there are other activities and programs at the same time as HOBY and difficult choices might have to be made but our policy will not allow us to have students attend on an adjusted schedule. We are not able to make any exceptions to this rule so if the chosen student cannot commit to attend the full HOBY program, school counselors must select an alternate student to go in his or her place.

Can parents sit in on the conference?

No, and here’s why: when a student gets to the HOBY seminar, there’s a good chance they won’t know a single other student there. Stepping out of one’s comfort zone is a key element of the HOBY program and students have reported to us year after year that the chance to interact with people who have no preconceived notions about them gave them the freedom to truly discover their own voice. Students are encouraged to leave behind the labels, cliques, and prejudices that they may walk in with and explore who it is that they truly want to be.