HOBY Indiana started in 1978 and the first Leadership Seminar was held in the spring of 1979. The seminars have been held at various locations throughout the state including Butler University, Ball State University, IUPUI, Marian College, University of Indianapolis, and St. Mary-of-the-Woods College. Over 7,500 Indiana high school sophomores have participated in the seminars during HOBY Indiana's 30-year history. The HOBY Indiana Seminar started as a 3-day leadership seminar. In the late 1990s the seminar expanded to 4 days to allow for expansion and improvement of the program. In addition to the Leadership Seminar, HOBY Indiana has an active Alumni Association that is dedicated to continuing the leadership opportunities experienced at the HOBY Seminars. HOBY Indiana has no paid staff and relies on a dedicated group of volunteers to plan and execute each seminar. We are a non-profit with affiliates in all 50 states. Most affiliates are a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
HOBY alumni return to their communities applying skills and ideas learned at the seminar. Community entities all over Indiana as well as the United States count on HOBY “ambassadors” to continue the tradition of HOBY service. While at HOBY, ambassadors learn how to become community leaders and realize their full potential.