Leadership Programs

The Margo F. Souza Leadership Center at UC Merced offers a variety of pathways for students to grow as leaders and engage meaningfully with their communities. Our Signature Programs provide structured, immersive experiences designed to develop leadership skills, deepen self-awareness, and create lasting impact. Click on any of the programs below to learn more.

6-Week Programs

• Bobcat Leadership Seminar A six-workshop series open to all UC Merced students built around Kouzes & Posner's 5 Practices of Leadership. Earn a certificate upon completion.
• EMPOWER A 6-week program open to all UC Merced students, focused on empowering women-identifying students while building leadership confidence and self-advocacy skills.
• IGNITE For students in cabinet, fraternity/sorority, student staff, or other leadership roles—deepen your skills and bring new resources back to your organization.

1-Year+ Programs

• Yosemite Leadership Program (YLP) The premier student environmental leadership program, fostering collaboration among government, business, and academia to develop innovative, ethical leaders.
• Chancellor's Ambassadors Program A select cohort of 6–8 student leaders serving as official UC Merced representatives at campus functions, alumni gatherings, VIP visits, and donor events.

Partner Programs

• Leadership & Service LLC An opportunity for first-years to learn about service and connect with like-minded students.
• Lift While You Lead A semester-long mentorship of high school students in Women's Studies classes.
• Best You, Best Future A semester-long opportunity to tutor-mentor younger students.

Interested in other local opportunities? UC Merced and the local Merced community have on- and off-campus opportunities to develop your leadership skills and experience. See below to learn more!

Leadership Elsewhere

• SIEML All-expenses-paid UC leadership & business program with workshops and networking. (Application closed)
• New Leaders Council Six-month leadership institute in civic engagement, advocacy, and social change.
• Girl Rising Fellowship Global fellowship for leaders in climate action and gender equity.
• Resident Assistant Lead on-campus housing communities and earn a room & board waiver plus stipend.
• Orientation Student Staff Lead new Bobcats through their transition into the UC Merced community.
• Success Mentor Support first-year students in building academic and interpersonal skills.
• Peer Health Educator Educate peers on physical, mental, and sexual health and wellness.
• Student Organizations Practice leadership as an E-Board or general member of a student org.
• Student Government (ASUCM) Represent student voices and shape campus life through elected or appointed roles.
• YLP Summer Internship Paid 12-week summer internship in Yosemite with a leadership seminar.
• CollegeCorps State-funded fellowship for Dreamers serving in education, climate, or food security.
• Community Engagement Center Explore local community involvement and discover your leadership passions.
• Lead at Your Job Ask about leading projects at work, with Career Center support for internships.
• LeaderShape Institute Residential program helping leaders define their values and vision for impact.
• UC Sacramento Internship Earn UC credit through an academic internship in California's capital.
• Washington DC Program (UCDC) Combine coursework, research, and an internship in the nation's capital.
• Leadership & Social Justice (Mexico/Sac) Study leadership and social justice across Mexico City and Sacramento.
• Study Abroad Build cross-cultural leadership skills while studying in another country.