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About

What is the Yosemite Leadership Program?

Housed at the Margo F. Souza Student Leadership Center, YLP is a two-year experience that integrates training in leadership skills, education on the theories and practices of leadership, and personal and professional development opportunities to create generations of socially engaged and environmentally aware global stewards. 

The Yosemite Leadership Program (YLP) is one arm of a larger collaborative effort between UC Merced and the National Park Service to proactively address the challenges of the 21st century. UC Merced students in YLP are helping address the ;eadership needs of parks, public lands and the environment, now and into the future. 

Program | Developing Tomorrow's Environmental Leaders Today!

YLP is a 2-year leadership development program that educates and inspires environmental advocacy and social change through skilled, ethical, innovative and intentional action while respecting cultural heritage and community. YLP's innovative design includes leadership seminars, speakers and crystallizing wilderness experiences in the first year. In the second year, YLP participants engage in a capstone legacy project, as well as cross-peer mentoring opportunities. 

Capstone legacy projects and peer mentorship opportunities provided during the Social Change Practicum (second year of YLP) allow students to apply their skills and knowledge to create the social and environmental change they want to see. In each of its components, YLP links didactic learning to practical, field-based experiences, which creates personal transformations and empowers students to move from theory to action.

The YLP first-year experience occurs every Wednesday throughout the academic year from 4:30pm - 6:00pm. We expect participants to attend all sessions.

Applications for fall 2024 are now closed! We will accept new applications Fall 2025. 

Special Thanks to our Partners & Donors! 

National Parks Institute Mission

The mission of the National Parks Institute is to promote the fullest realization of the National Park Service mandate to protect park lands and values unimpaired for public enjoyment - now and for future generations- through the sustained effort of a dedicated academic-agency partnership devoted to enhance global well-being. 

YLP represents true partnership and has involved contributions from many dedicated collaborators: 

Major support has been provided by: 

  • The Yosemite Conservancy
  • The Toyota USA FOundation
  • NPS: Youth Partnership Program

Additional support has been provided by: 

  • California State Parks Foundation for the Americas
  • Mitsubishi Corporation FOundation for the Americas
  • NPS: Associateship for Visitor and Resource Protection
  • NPS: Associateship for Workforce Management
  • The Doherty Family Fund