I-YEL 2025-2026 Application

Welcome to the I-YEL Application!

Inspiring Young Emerging Leaders (I-YEL) is a high school leadership program for youth attending San Francisco and Marin public schools. Young adults learn the skills necessary to be stronger leaders in their community through community involvement, project based learning and outdoor trips. Since 2001, I-YEL has been supporting youth explore environmental and social justice issues relating to their community through hands on learning, project-based learning and participating in community service projects, and planning events for other youth across the bay. I-YEL is a program of the Crissy Field Center which helps build leadership opportunities for diverse youth to become bold leaders for thriving parks, healthy communities and a more environmentally just society. I-YEL is committed to uplifting and being inclusive of Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Queer, Trans, and Gender Non-binary folx and people with different abilities.

Location: meet at these locations unless otherwise noted

SF Location: Crissy Field Center (603 Mason St., Presidio, San Francisco CA 94129)
Marin Location: Canal Alliance (711 Grand Ave., San Rafael, CA 94901)

Time Commitment:

Every Wednesday (SF)/Thursday (Marin) 4:30-6:30pm
Three Saturdays a month 10am-3:30pm *Unless otherwise noted on longer travel field trips

Important Dates: *these dates are subject to change*

9/27 - In person interviews with SF
10/4 - In person interviews with Marin
10/18 Family Orientation, first day of program
12/20-12/21 Fri-Sat Overnight Fall Trip
Winter break: 12/22- 1/2
1/3- First Sat back
2/14-16 Overnight Winter Trip
3/30-4/5 Overnight Spring Break trip for SF
4/6-4/12 Overnight Spring Break trip for Marin
5/9- Last day of program

Benefits & Pay:

I-YEL will be a paid opportunity - $310 a month (with perfect attendance)
Free overnight camping or cabin trips to Yosemite, Point Reyes, and other National Parks
Outdoor adventures (camping, backpacking, hiking, kayaking, ropes course, etc.)
Workforce development opportunities, college recommendations and letter of reference
Transportation support
Snacks provided

In order for students to receive their monthly stipend, participants must be able to fill out a W9 with a Social Security number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The process to obtain an SSN or ITIN can be very lengthy, so plan accordingly. If this is a barrier or you have questions regarding this, please reach out to Aimes Tam atam@parksconservancy.org to discuss options.

This program is for you if:

You are interested in developing your voice as a leader, facilitator and co-creator
You are interested in building meaningful relationships with youth across the bay
You believe in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all
You are interested in making a positive impact in your community
You are interested in building skills and comfort in outdoor adventures
You want to create engaging programs that explores the parks history, present and future
You are dependable and accountable when working individually and within a team

Eligibility:

Must attend a SF or a Marin public High School unless attendance to private school is mostly based on scholarship
Able to commit to the whole school year
Apply by 9/23 for SF Applicants
Apply by 9/30 for Marin Applicants

Go to next page to fill out application

SF Applications are now closed. Continue if you are applying for IYEL Marin. If you have any questions please reach out to Aimes Tam atam@parksconservancy.org.

Are you submitting this application for SF or Marin?

Applicant Info

First Name

Last Name

Preferred Name

Name you would like to be addressed by

Birthdate

MM/DD/YYYY

Street Address

City

State

Zip Code

Best phone number to reach you

Re-type phone number

Best email to reach you

Re-type email

School Information

Current School

What grade are you in right now?

Application Questions

We understand that this application is done by writing and is only one form of response and we hope it does not feel like a test. You will not be judged on spelling or grammar. We ask that you do your best to express yourself authentically. If you would prefer to submit responses in a different way, please email Aimes Tam at atam@parksconservancy.org with other suggestions.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. What are your hobbies? (Please provide detailed, specific responses with at least 5 sentences)

How would your best friends describe you

Why do you want to be a part of the Inspiring Young Emerging Leaders (I-YEL)? (Please provide detailed, specific responses with at least 5 sentences)

What do you hope to gain from attending this program? (Please provide detailed, specific responses with at least 5 sentences)

What career interest do you have right now? (it's also okay if you don't know)

What does it mean to be a good leader? Describe your skills and areas for growth in leadership skills (Please provide detailed, specific responses with at least 5 sentences)

How do you like to enjoy natural spaces and the outdoors? (What activities do you like to do outside? How much time do you spend outside? Where are your favorite outdoor spaces to go to and why?)

What goal do you have for yourself this year that is not academic focused? How do you plan to achieve it? (Please provide detailed, specific responses with at least 5 sentences)

What does a safe, inclusive environment look like for you? What can we be mindful of to be able to support your growth? (Please provide detailed, specific responses with at least 5 sentences)

How can we be supportive of any physical, emotional, mental, learning needs so that you can thrive? Do you have any specific accessibility needs?

Can you commit to every Wednesday 4:30-6:30pm (SF) or Thursday 4:30-6:30pm (Marin) evenings and three Saturdays (10am-3:30pm) a month? Are there any conflicts in your schedule that may prevent that?

How did you hear about this opportunity? (Tabling, presentation in class, past program participant, email, etc.?)

Optional Demographic Information

All demographic questions (Race/Ethnicity, Gender, etc.) are optional. This is to better understand who you are and to make sure we put together the most diverse group possible. If you don't wish to answer a question please leave it blank.

Race/Ethnicty

Sexuality

Gender

Pronouns

Any other ways you identify that you want to share?

Our funding resources require that 80% of our participants face financial hardships. These questions are optional and if you don't wish to answer a question please leave blank.

Do you qualify for free/reduced lunch program at school?

Does your household live in public housing or receive housing vouchers?

Do you have siblings in Head Start?

Do you or family members receive MediCal?

Are you or have you ever been in Foster Care?

Are you or have you experienced homelessness?

Are you enrolled in a federal, state or local program that aids students from low-income families (e.g. GEAR UP, TRIO such as Upward Bound or others)?

Any other financial indicators you would like to share with us?