About the World Leadership Congress
HOBY's International's annual 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.
We are excited to announce that the 2011 WLC will be held at Loyola University Chicago
in Chicago, IL from Saturday, July 23rd to Saturday, July 30th.
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 2010 Ambassadors were asked if their leadership skills were enhanced by participating in this program, here's what they had to say:
"YES!!!! WLC gave me a new perspective on leadership. It made me come out of my shell and be
a leader among my peers. It gave me self-confidence in the leadership skills that I didn't have before!! I feel so much more confident as a leader now. It also opened my eyes to many different views and opinions, which has helped me keep an open mind to all the people I'm associated
with as a leader. So basically, yes, A THOUSAND TIMES YES, my leadership skills have certainly been enhanced through HOBY."
Four South Dakota alumni attended the 2008 World Leadership Congress (WLC) held in Washington DC. Pictured here from left-right are, Andrew Gaspar, O'Gorman High School; Jenna Headrick, Brandon Valley High School; Becca Bjerke, Henry High School; and Mark Henriksen, Lyman High School.
"Yes, I have been able to expand my leadership skills beyond what they were before the WLC.
I have had the opportunity to volunteer with different organizations and be a leader among my peers. I find myself looking for new ways to apply myself in my community and school because
of my WLC experience."
"Yes... right now I am in Washington D.C. as part of the U.S. House of Representatives
Page Program where I am in charge of the community service program and without HOBY
I would feel at a loss about what I could do, but I feel so prepared and confident and
that credit is due to HOBY."
All ambassadors who will attend the WLC are either:
- U.S. high school sophomore students who first attend one of HOBY's 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.
Contact HOBY South Dakota President, Wade McIntyre to learn more about eligibility requirements.
The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) has placed the WLC on its National Advisory List of Student Contests and Activities for 2010-2011.
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