Leaders influence others to follow, through vision, direction, inspiration, management and more.
Whether you feel like a natural leader or leadership skills are something you want to advance further, the Berkeley Student Leadership Academy (BSLA) can help you discover your own abilities while exploring various components of holistic leadership development.
Applications for the Berkeley Student Leadership Academy (BSLA) Program for AY26-27 are now open. Please see dates below.
*Priority Application deadline: Tues Sept 8 at 11:59pm PST
*DEADLINE EXTENDED – Application closes: Sun Sept 13 at 11:59pm PST
Submit your application today via the link below!
Apply for the BSLA AY26-27 Cohort
What is the Berkeley Student Leadership Academy?
The Berkeley Student Leadership Academy is a series of engaging workshops and customized experiences that help undergraduate students develop leadership competencies. The workshops relate to leadership, engagement, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) on campus.
Registered participants will receive information about Berkeley Student Leadership Academy workshop series, specialized content, and access to mentorship and networking opportunities.
Outcomes
Students who complete a minimum of seven workshops (in one academic year) and finish final requirements will receive a certificate at the Oski Leadership Awards Ceremony in April.
Completing the Berkeley Student Leadership Academy prepares students to:
- Connect leadership experiences and learning, on campus and beyond
- Engage in conversations and enhanced learning pertaining to leadership, communication, conflict resolution and feedback, and DEIB within the campus community.
- Use self-reflection to explore values, strengths and areas of growth related to leadership development
How To Participate
- Apply for the Berkeley Student Leadership Academy cohort by the advertised deadline. No late applications will be accepted, and space is limited!
- Sign up using your UC Berkeley student email address.
- Receive information about the Academy’s workshop series, access to specialized content, and gain access to mentorship and networking opportunities. Participants will be added to the Academy’s e-newsletter listserv with program information and access to bCourses page.
- Attend workshops. Earn certificate. Attend celebratory event!
- Complete a minimum of seven workshops within one academic year. (Four are required. You select the remaining three topics.)
- Complete reflection requirements to receive a certificate of leadership presented at the Oski Student Leadership Awards Ceremony at end of the academic year.
Important Dates
Berkeley Student Leadership Academy Optional Virtual Informational Sessions
Information Sessions are optional, attendance is not required in order to register for the program – but highly recommended! Must RSVP by 5pm PST the day before Information Session. Information Sessions will be held via the Zoom platform. Zoom link will be shared day of the Information Session via bcal to those who RSVP by the applicable timelines.
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Information Sessions have now closed. Please email bsla@berkeley.edu if you would like a recorded version of the content before the BSLA application closes.
Berkeley Student Leadership Academy Application Dates
- Application opens August 25, 2026 at 12pm PST.
- PRIORITY DEADLINE: September 8, 2026 at 11:59pm PST.
- *DEADLINE EXTENDED* Application closes: September 13, 2026 at 11:59pm PST
Fall Welcome Event
- Wednesday September 30, 5-7pm PST in person (details shared with registered participants)
Fall Berkeley Student Leadership Academy (BSLA) Workshops Offered
- October – November 2026
Spring Berkeley Student Leadership Academy (BSLA) Workshops Offered
- January – February 2026
Workshop Topics
Participants attend a minimum of (7) workshops [4 required workshops, 3 workshops of choice] and complete reflection requirements during one academic year. Participants can take workshops in both fall and spring semesters to complete the requirements. Workshop information is outlined below. Registered participants will receive information about each workshop, how to RSVP, and access to specialized content.
Four Required Workshops – Sample Workshop Information Below
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging (DEIB) & Leadership (1 workshop in this topic required within one academic year)
Working with Imposter Phenomenon
Solidarity Among Communities of Color
Community Cultural Wealth
Leadership Frameworks (1 workshop in this topic required within one academic year)
StrengthsFinder
SMART Goal Setting & Myers-Briggs Personality Types
Leadership Frameworks & Styles
Living Into Our Vales
Leadership Styles & Colors
Communication (1 workshop in this topic required within one academic year)
Communication Skills & Public Speaking
Effective Communication
Communications, Marketing, and Branding
Authentic Communication in Leadership
Conflict Resolution & Feedback (1 workshop in this topic required within one academic year)
The Art of Giving and Receiving Feedback
Navigating Difficult Conversations
Group Dynamics & Hazing Prevention
Additional Workshops (3 of choice required during one academic year)
Time Management & Organization
Marketing You: Online Presence
Event Planning
To Live, To Love, To Serve, Public/Community Service and your Educational Journey at Berkeley
BSLA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- How competitive is the BSLA program? How many students will be accepted?
BSLA is open to UC Berkeley undergraduate students, including first year students and first year transfer students. Inclusivity is our top priority, we want as many people to benefit from the program as possible! There’s no specific leader accepted into this program, we welcome different experiences. On the application we encourage you to share who you are and why you want to be involved in this program.
- How is this program different from others across campus?
BSLA is a series of engaging workshops and customized experiences that help undergraduate students develop leadership competencies. BSLA aims to be a program that is inclusive and caters to many different leadership styles and forms of leadership. Completing BSLA prepares students to (1) connect leadership experiences and learning on campus and beyond (2) engage in conversations and enhanced learning pertaining to leadership, communication, conflict resolution and feedback, and DEIB within the campus community (3) use self-reflection to explore values, strengths and areas of growth related to leadership development.
- Can I add the BSLA leadership certificate to my resume?
Yes! We encourage you to add it to your resume and other avenues to showcase your leadership skills. Completion of BSLA shows you have put in the time and dedication to complete this valuable leadership program.
- What is the time commitment for BSLA?
Participants attend a minimum of seven (7) workshops [4 required workshops, 3 workshops of choice] and complete reflection requirements during one academic year. Workshops are offered in both fall and spring semesters. You can attend workshops based on your schedule and complete the required reflection by spring semester for program completion.
- Will there be opportunities to network and connect with other BSLA members?
Yes! There will be connection opportunities throughout the academic year either at events or workshops. There is also the optional opportunity to join the BSLA Mentorship Program to connect with a BSLA alumni fellow for 1:1 mentorship and connection.
- What can students gain from BSLA involvement?
BSLA participants benefit from networking opportunities with campus leadership, staff, and students across campus. The program helps to enhance leadership skills, teamwork, public speaking, and professional development in a welcoming environment. Participants meet people across campus who are seeking to learn more about leadership and opportunities on campus.
- What are the benefits of BSLA completion?
BSLA participants who complete the program requirements receive a leadership certificate and are recognized at the Oski Student Leadership Awards Ceremony. There is also the invitation to join the BSLA Alumni Fellows Program for advanced leadership development opportunities & opportunity to mentor BSLA cohort members!