The Hugh O'Brian Youth Foundation (HOBY) was founded by Hugh O'Brian 38 years ago. In 1958, Mr. O'Brian had the unique opportunity to spend nine inspirational days with the 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 Foundation, which Mr. O'Brian founded two weeks after his return to Los Angeles.

For 38 years, HOBY has carried out its mission "to seek out, recognize and develop leadership potential commencing with high school sophomores, and to encourage and prepare the next generation of civic and corporate leadership for America's future." HOBY implements its purpose in three ways: by providing interactive opportunities for critical thinking; by promoting democracy and the free enterprise system; and by encouraging social responsibility among individuals and participating corporations. There is no cost to the students, parents or high schools involved in HOBY's core programs and HOBY does not accept any government or United Way funding. All financial support comes from the private sector and service organizations.

High school sophomores are the target group for HOBY's initial programs not only because they are at an age when setting future goals and forming opinions for adulthood are critical, but also because they can use their HOBY experience and enthusiasm to create a "ripple effect" among their fellow classmates during their two remaining years in high school. While focusing primarily on these 10th graders, the Foundation offers a variety of programs and services, some of which are available to students other than our Alumni.

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