Yosemite Leadership Program
Year 2: Social Change Practicum
The Yosemite Leadership Program (YLP) strives to be the premier student environmental leadership program in the nation by fostering collaboration among government, business, and academia to develop thoughtful, ethical, and innovative leaders.
In partnership with the National Park Service, the Wilderness Education Center, and the Margo F. Souza Student Leadership Center at UC Merced, YLP educates and inspires environmental advocacy and social change through skilled, intentional leadership while honoring cultural heritage and community.
Year Two: Social Change Practicum
Applications for the 2025–2027 cohort will open in August.
The Fall 2025 Social Change Practicum will meet on Wednesdays from 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM, from September 11, 2025 through November 19, 2025.
The second year of YLP focuses on a community-based, applied capstone project supported by practical leadership development curriculum. Participants engage in mentorship with local high school students, complete community volunteer hours, and attend skill-building workshops.
Projects are developed in partnership with community-serving organizations and UC Merced student groups, providing students with real-world experience in designing, executing, and evaluating impactful initiatives. The program also includes two overnight retreats to Yosemite National Park during the academic year.
Student Reflections
“The capstone experience taught me how to plan, propose, execute, and report a project. I learned to aim high when it comes to outreach and to be assertive while setting healthy boundaries in a team setting.”
— 2022–2024 YLP Participant
“My leadership skills expanded tremendously through this two-year experience. I gained life skills that made me a better person, and the space this program created gave me a safety net for support and resources.”
— 2022–2024 YLP Participant
