About the World Leadership Congress
HOBY's annual international youth leadership event, The
World Leadership Congress (WLC), is a dynamic leadership program that brings
together students (or "ambassadors" as we like to call them here at HOBY) from
the U.S. and abroad. This group of
over 400 ambassadors comprised of U.S. high school students and international
students from all four corners of the globe convene for a week-long, life-changing,
educational and leadership skills building program.
HOBY's World Leadership Congress provides today's youth with the training and tools to become the leaders of tomorrow. Participants have access to a distinguished group of leaders from a variety of backgrounds including business, government, international affairs, science and technology, medicine, media, and education. The week long program includes interactive and dynamic educational sessions, collaborative workshops, leadership exercises, community service projects and individualized trainings. HOBY's ambassadors leave the WLC more mature individuals, more aware of the world around them, having forged life-long friendships with like-minded HOBY Ambassadors from around the globe. Most importantly, participants leave empowered to make meaningful and lasting contributions to their communities.
When 2011 Ambassadors were asked how the WLC enhanced their leadership skills and what they learned by participating in this program, here's what they had to say::
"I no longer look at the world like I used to. I gained a new, thoughtful perspective while at WLC. Everything around me looks different. I see opportunities everywhere! There is a chance to help people all around. There is so much that can be done and everyone is capable of making change. I love WLC for teaching me to start my own chain reactions and for giving me the confidence to take the first steps and follow through."
"That I can truly accomplish what I set my mind to and that I can change the world. WLC showed me that I am not the only kid out there that wants to make a difference."
"My favorite part was probably just meeting kids from around the world who are just like me. Every time that I met somebody new, it was like I could see my own characteristics, dreams, and aspirations thought them. We are all think so much alike, it's almost scary, but in a good way. Relating on a personal level to so many people from around the globe is truly inspiring."
"As long as I work hard, have a positive attitude and have a desire to accomplish something, I can do anything to I set my mind to. WLC has taught to never give up, stand up for what I believe in and to treat others with kindness and compassion. We all have our flaws; we're human. For this reason humans need to be there for other humans."
All ambassadors who will attend the WLC are either:
- U.S. high school sophomore students who first attend one of HOBY's regional three- or four-day state leadership seminars that take place each spring, or
- International students between 15 and 17 years of age who have first attended a local program in their respective home country, if one exists. To find out if a program exists near you, please email brennc@hoby.org.
Read more about eligibility requirements.
The 2012 WLC will be held July 21-28 at Loyola University in Chicago, IL.
The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) has placed the WLC on its National Advisory List of Student Contests and Activities for 2011-2012.
For information about becoming a sponsor of HOBY's WLC, please call HOBY's International Department at 818-851-3980.