Frequently Asked Questions from Student Ambassadors and Parents
We get asked a lot of questions about our Leadership Seminars from both parents and students. You will find answers to commonly asked questions below. If you don't find your question here, please contact us.
Seminar Info
Q. What kind of program is planned?
A. During your HOBY Leadership Seminar, many dynamic leaders—all volunteers from the fields of business, education, government, and other professions—will address aspects of our changing world and the challenges future leaders will confront. The program will not promote any specific political party, religion, or way of thinking, but is designed to develop critical thinking skills by actively involving participants in discussions and informal debate.
Q. If I was not selected by my school to attend HOBY, but I really want to attend anyway, can I?
A. Yes. You can apply for the HOBY Community Nomination Program through​ the HOBY International website. You will be responsible for paying the $350 registration fee if your child is accepted.
Q. I went to HOBY last year. Can I come back again this year?
A. HOBY alumni are eligible to volunteer the seminar as members of the Junior Staff. Please contact our Directors of Junior Staff, juniorstaff@hobytgc.org if you are interested.
Q. Where will the seminar be held?
A. The 2024 leadership seminar will be hosted at the University of Houston Main Campus. As with previous years, we reserve the right to switch to a virtual format if necessary for health and safety reasons.
Q. What should I wear at the seminar?
A. Dress is summer casual for the seminar, so no need to wear anything fancy for us. However, we do ask that you wear something appropriate for this type of event.
Q. Is there a parents program that I/my parents can attend?
A. Parents are welcome and encourages to attend our closing ceremony on Sunday, June 9.
Q. When will the seminar be held?
A. The seminar will be held Friday, June 7 through Sunday, June 9.
Attendance & Forms
Q. Can an ambassador leave and come back to the seminar to tend to another obligation?
A. No. Ambassadors must be present for the entire HOBY seminar. If this is not possible, please inform the person at your school who selected you and follow up with an email to the HOBY TGC Director of Recruiting (recruiting@hobytgc.org).
Q. What if I am unable to attend the seminar?
A. If circumstances arise that prevent you from attending the entire seminar we would like to give another student the opportunity to attend. Please inform the person at your school who selected you and follow up with an email to the HOBY TGC Director of Recruiting (recruiting@hobytgc.org).
Q. I accidentally deleted the email with the Pre-Seminar Forms info! Where can I find it?
A. Pre-Seminar Forms can be sent out again by contacting either our Director of Recruiting (recruiting@hobytgc.org) or our Leadership Seminar Chair (lsc@hobytgc.org)
Q. I completed the forms, but I’m not sure if they went through. How can I verify?
A. Email our Director of Recruitment, who can verify whether we have the form information or not.
Q. I think that I made a mistake in the forms. How can I fix it?
A. Contact our Director of Recruitment with the correct information and she can manually update the information.
Q. When are the forms due?
A. ALL pre-seminar forms (electronic forms, Volunteer Waiver) are due May 12, 2024.
Communications
Q. What communications will I receive from HOBY TGC prior to the seminar?
A. Each ambassador will receive an email from the HOBY TGC Director of Recruitment with a request to complete the Pre-Seminar Materials forms.
Q. Who may I contact if I have additional questions?
A. Additional questions or concerns should be directed to the HOBY TGC Leadership Seminar Chair at lsc@hobytgc.org.
So You Know
In addition, each ambassador will also receive a phone call from their (adult) team facilitator by the end of May. Your team facilitator will review with you information you need for the seminar and will answer any other questions you have about the seminar.
Financials
Q. Who pays for the seminar?
A. The HOBY registration fee is paid for by schools or parents. All funding for meals, lodging, and printed materials have been generously provided by sponsors throughout our state, including businesses, foundations, individuals, and service organizations wishing to support leadership education. Click the links below for more information or direct donations.
No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
