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Lead by Design

Your Future, Designed by You

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Lead by Design

Lead by Design is a launchpad for first-generation first- and second-year students to create meaningful and empowered college experiences. Blending life design with leadership development, the program helps you explore who you are, what you value and where you want to go.

Through hands-on exercises, design thinking, small- and large-group dialogue, peer feedback, critical reflection, storytelling, community building, mentorship and academic advising, you will cultivate a clearer sense of direction, purpose and empowered agency.  Lead by Design seeks to improve your college experience and help you shape a purposeful life path.

By the end of this course, you will emerge with stronger leadership skills and a personalized roadmap that weaves together your values, academic interests, career goals, and aspirations – equipping you to make confident, informed decisions about your future, in your own voice and on your own terms.
 

How to join

Schedule

Registration deadline
11:59 p.m. Dec. 14
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Course schedule
Fridays
Section 1: 11 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.
or
Section 2: 1:10 to 2:30 p.m.

Course dates
Winter 2026: Jan. 9 to March 13
and
Spring 2026: April 3 to June 5

Lead by Design is a 2-quarter commitment.

Structure 

Cohort-based learning

  • Build a supportive, collaborative learning community
  • Encourage peer connection, shared growth and diverse perspectives
  • Create continuity and depth through a two-quarter cohort model

Integrated learning

  • Seminars: Facilitate guided reflection, dialogue, and skill-building
  • Campus field trips: Provide immersive, real-world learning experiences
  • Mentoring: Offer personalized guidance from mentors and peers
  • Academic advising: Align academic choices with personal and professional goals

Eligibility 

All first- and second-year students are welcome to join. Lead by Design is an experiential program designed to help students, including first-generation and those with financial need, thrive at a research university. Lead by Design is a 2-quarter commitment.

For more information 

Email LeadByDesign@ucdavis.edu