For nearly four decades, the Hugh O'Brian Youth Foundation (HOBY) has worked diligently at helping young people make a difference and become positive catalysts for change - in the home, in the workplace and in the community.  As one of the leading nonprofit, nontax-supported youth leadership development organizations, HOBY is respected worldwide.

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HOBY was founded by veteran television and film actor Hugh O'Brian in 1958.  That year, Mr. O'Brian had the opportunity to spend nine inspirational days with great humanitarian, Dr. Albert Schweitzer at his clinic in Africa.  There, Dr. Schweitzer impressed upon him that the most important thing in education is to teach young people to think for themselves.  That thought became the cornerstone for the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership, which Mr. O'Brian founded two weeks after his return to Los Angeles. 

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Since its inception, HOBY's objective has been to seek out, recognize and develop leadership potential commencing with high school sophomores.  Rewarding excellence and hard work, HOBY prepares the next generation to fill the world's urgent need for socially conscious leaders.  HOBY believes students who are influenced by positive role models and highly inspirational programs will benefit tremendously by gaining the skills they will need as future leaders throughout high school and beyond.

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HOBY implements its purpose in three ways: by providing interactive opportunities for critical thinking; by promoting democracy and America's incentive system; and by encouraging social responsibility among individuals and participating corporations.  Each year, the world leadership congress is held at different major cities of the United States to involve national and international participants. 

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One man's vision and 26 students were the beginning for HOBY.  Through the years, the foundation has changed the lives of thousands while continuing to meet the challenges of Dr. Schweitzer - teaching young people to think for themselves.