Welcome to the Yosemite Leadership Program!
YLP strives to be the premier student environmental leadership program in the nation, fostering collaboration among government, business, and academia to develop thoughtful, ethical, and innovative leaders. Use this page to find exactly what you're looking for.
About YLP
Learn about the mission, vision, and values behind the Yosemite Leadership Program, what we believe, why we exist, and what drives everything we do.
Two-Year Leadership Program
The campus-based co-curricular program that forms the heart of YLP. Year 1 is a weekly Leadership Seminar; Year 2 is a community-centered Social Change Practicum with a capstone project. Applications open each fall.
Summer Internship (YLPSI)
A 12-week residential internship living and working in Yosemite National Park. Open to all UC Merced students regardless of YLP cohort membership. Competitive application with a separate process from the Two-Year Program.
Capstone Project Proposals
Are you a community partner, faculty member, or campus organization with a project idea? YLP's Social Change Practicum is built around capstone proposals submitted by external partners. Learn about requirements and how to propose a project for the 2026–2027 cohort.
Yosemite Education Center
Located in the Student Activities and Athletics Center (SAAC) on campus, the Yosemite Education Center connects students with everything they need to explore Yosemite, from trail recommendations to YARTS transit info. Stop by and speak with one of our student rangers.
Please note: The Two-Year Leadership Program and the YLP Summer Internship (YLPSI) are two separate programs with distinct applications and deadlines. Admission into one does not guarantee admission into the other. Students may apply to one or both.
