Seminar Information
HOBY Texas Gulf Coast 2026
Dates
June 12-14, 2026
Location
University of Houston
One weekend at a HOBY Texas Gulf Coast unlocks a student’s leadership potential and helps them gain the confidence to make a positive impact on the world around them. We are so excited to welcome student leaders across the state to this life-changing experience!
HOBY Texas Gulf Coast (TGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves Houston and the surrounding area, as far north as Lufkin, northwest to Bryan-College Station, and southwest to Hallettsville. The first HOBY TGC youth leadership seminar was held in 1983 and the chapter has been conducting outstanding seminars every year since then. The Texas Gulf Coast leadership seminar runs for three days and exposes more than 200 area sophomores to business and community leaders from the region.
HOBY develops leadership skills and encourages interaction between the student ambassadors and local leaders and role models. Through discussion panels and immersive activities, ambassadors are challenged to examine issues critically and draw their own conclusions to form their opinions.
All sophomore students in the Texas Gulf Coast region are encouraged to visit with their high school counselors regarding HOBY TGC participation.
FAQs
Where and when will the seminar be held?
The seminar will take place at the University of Houston – Main Campus from June 12, 2026 in the morning to June 14, 2026 in the early afternoon.
Where should I go when I arrive?
You will enter the Cougar Village drop-off loop at the University of Houston – Main Campus. A HOBY volunteer committee member will greet you and check you in. We prefer that Ambassadors stay in their vehicles until they are at the front of the line and checked-in.
What kind of program is planned?
During your HOBY Leadership Seminar, many dynamic leaders — all volunteers — 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. During the seminar, and after being equipped with the tools necessary, you will be asked to undertake a community service project (or projects) within your own community involving at least 100 hours of service during the year following your seminar. The purpose is to make a difference in your school, community, place of worship, or any other environment where you see a need.
What are the accommodations like?
Participants will be assigned to dorm rooms with 2-4 ambassadors per room on floors reserved exclusively for the seminar. Everyone will receive nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. In the Health and Safety section, please indicate any special dietary considerations, including allergies, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
What if I need to take medication while I am at the seminar?
Please provide information about your medication in the Health and Safety section. Make sure to read and comply with the Policy for Use of Medication during HOBY Texas Gulf Coast. This generally includes registering all medications with the HOBY Nurse upon arrival.
Prescription and OTC Medication:
If applicable, be sure to bring any prescription and/or OTC medication. Please bring only as much medication as will reasonably be needed during the HOBY event (3 days). Prescription medication must be in its original container as labeled by the pharmacy. Please refer to the Policy for Use of Medication During a HOBY Event included in the Health and Safety section.
If necessary, how may I be contacted during the seminar?
Parent(s)/guardian(s), friends, and family members are discouraged from calling participants during the seminar due to the disruption caused to panels and activities. In case of emergency, your parent(s) or guardian will have access to an emergency phone number to call. The seminar will be chaperoned by adults who will be staying at the facility 24 hours a day.
What does the Registration Fee cover?
The Registration Fee covers housing, all meals and snacks, and all program materials. The HOBY Texas Gulf Coast store is not included, and we recommend bringing small change for this store. Transportation to and from the seminar is also not provided.
What transportation arrangements have been made?
You are responsible for your transportation to and from the seminar. HOBY Texas Gulf Coast will provide transportation during the seminar to off-site volunteer locations.
What is the dress code?
Dress is casual throughout the weekend, but wear what would be appropriate for you to wear at your school. You will be provided a HOBY t-shirt and there will be an announcement as to when you will wear the t-shirt during the weekend.
What about religious services?
Formal religious services will not be available during the seminar. A student-led worship service typically occurs organically on Sunday morning during breakfast for those who would like to participate.