Each September, the National Association of Secondary School Principals sends nomination materials to all public and private high schools in the United States. Each school selects an outstanding sophomore, based on their leadership potential, and nominates that student to represent their school at their state seminar.

All 10th graders in the state are eligible for selection to attend Maryland's annual leadership seminar held each spring. A sophomore leader is nominated by each school and is certified by the principal. Similarly, when a local CLeW is held, nomination materials are sent to high school principals in the area for the selection of multiple sophomores.

In addition to the nomination packet in September, a letter is sent to principals in October from the Maryland committee. Calls to schools, as needed are made, to remind them to send the student nomination to our International Office in Los Angeles, CA, by the guaranteed date. Nominations are accepted until late February or early March as funds and resources are available to sponsor the students.

All discussions and presentations in each program center around the theme "America's Incentive System" - the system which motivates productive activity in our society. Outstanding leaders from business, government, science, education, and other professions provide stimulating ideas through questions and answer discussion sessions. In addition, HOBY "ambassadors" participate in thought-provoking activities that enhance their HOBY experience. The emphasis is on motivating the young people to make a positive contribution to their school and community and to be aware, active and responsible citizens.

High school sophomores are chosen because their age is critical in focusing on future goals and forming opinions for adulthood. In addition, they have the opportunity to create a "ripple effect" from their HOBY experience in their remaining high school years.

It costs $325 per sophomore for the three days of activities at the state seminar. The school is asked to pay a registration fee of $150 to HOBY International (our offices in Los Angeles). Sometimes this fee is paid by the parent. The all-volunteer Maryland committee raises the state seminar expenses for room & board, copies & postage, and program supplies (approximately $35,000) from generous sponsorships from the private sector, service organizations, and individuals. Women’s Clubs, Jaycees, Kiwanis, and Optimists financially sponsor individual schools to the seminar.