HYPE, or “Hosting Young Philosophy Enthusiasts,” was founded by Souhegan seniors in 2009 as an opportunity for high school students to have meaningful philosophical discussions centered on philosophical topics centered on ethics and civil discourse. This unique event is an authentic high school student conference created, designed, and led by high school students for high school students. The HYPE project and its affiliated student voice and leadership programs provide students from all over the greater New England region the opportunity to have discussions at large and small student-led conferences at a number of venues in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Based on the educational tenets of Souhegan High School, the great tradition of Socratic dialogue endorsed by the University of New Hampshire's Department of Philosophy, and the directives of St. Anselm College’s ethics and leadership training, students discuss important issues and topics not only with their peers but also with experts who help to shape their ideas and perspectives.
The HYPE program includes a number of schools involved in helping Souhegan High School students with the leadership decisions and implementation of important tasks that must be accomplished in order to make this event happen.
Several years ago, HYPE received a renewable grant from RGSCP (Responsible Governance and Sustainable Citizenship Project) to help fund HYPE and expand its programming. This grant has led to the UNH Philosophy Department's endorsement of the Souhegan Ethics Forum, the generous support of UNH Durham’s College of Liberal Arts, and the use of the UNH Durham campus each year for this major conference event. As a result of HYPE’s ongoing success, the Souhegan Ethics Forum was awarded the 2014 Granite State Award by the NH University System for the group’s “dedication to creating an academically rich environment for New Hampshire students to connect through philosophical discussions” through the HYPE program. In 2017, HYPE was given a commendation from the UNH Innovations Division.
Additional information can be found by visiting the Souhegan Ethics Forum. Schools interested in this program should email Christopher Brooks, coordinator of the HYPE program, at cbrooks@sau39.org.
