Learning to Lead with Civility: Inside Claudia and Izzy’s First Semester as Tocqueville Scholars
October 17, 2025
The Tocqueville Scholars program was founded in fall 2024 by the Institute of American Civics (IAC). It is grounded in the ideas of Alexis de Tocqueville, a 19th-century French philosopher best known for Democracy in America, his influential examination of U.S. democracy and civic life. The program educates students in America’s constitutional, economic, and political foundations. Over four years, scholars develop as civic leaders in fields such as government, law, business, and public affairs through an in-depth curriculum created by the IAC. Each semester, students receive a $1,250 scholarship.
The application process begins with an online form consisting of short essay questions and two letters of recommendation, and concludes with an invited interview with the Program Review Committee. Accepted students embark on a journey of learning, leadership, and civic engagement.
Executive Director of IAC Josh Dunn emphasized the importance of the program, “The Tocqueville Scholars Program allows students to engage more deeply with the ideas and principles at the center of the Institute of American Civics. As well, it allows students to engage in civil discourse on important and contentious issues across political divisions,” he said. “We tell the students in the program that we expect them to disagree with each other strongly but to walk out of the room as friends. We think that forming those relationships will pay lifelong benefits not only for them but also for our country.”
Meet the Scholars
Claudia Church and Isabella (Izzy) Liu are two freshmen who were drawn to the Tocqueville Scholars program from the start. Claudia first learned about the program during UT’s New Vol Admit Day, while Izzy discovered it through a current Tocqueville Scholar who shared how much he enjoys the experience. Both sought opportunities to connect with peers passionate about civic engagement and leadership.
Church is majoring in political science with a focus on international affairs and complements her studies with minors in American Civics and Leadership Studies, reflecting her passion for understanding government and leadership. She was eager to get involved on campus from the beginning, exploring Greek life while also seeking experiences that connected her with like-minded students who have a passion for civics.
“When I found out about the Tocqueville Scholars program, I knew I had to do it. I was very interested in becoming a member of this cohort because I have always hoped to fill my time here with experiences that would provide me the opportunity to engage with and learn from others,” Church said. “Tocqueville Scholars seemed like the perfect opportunity for this goal. I was also eager to be surrounded with other students who are pursuing undergraduate studies similar to me; not everyone has the same major in this program, but we all are very interested in civics within our society.” After New Vol Admit Day, Church went back to her hotel room and immediately filled out her application.
Liu, a public affairs major with an American Civics minor and a member of the Chancellor’s Honors Program, shares a similar drive for civic engagement and academic excellence. Beyond her work at the Baker School, she is actively involved in UT’s Student Government Association, demonstrating her commitment to leadership on campus.
“I was really drawn into the American Civics minor,” Liu said. “I want to learn as much as I can about the U.S. governmental system, and I hope that it will help me develop a strong background in politics and government that will guide me in discovering my passions within the U.S. political system.” After speaking with a current Tocqueville Scholar to learn more, Liu eagerly applied and has already found the program to provide meaningful engagement and leadership opportunities on campus.
Experiences
The Tocqueville Scholars program includes co-curricular requirements such as IAC guest lectures, semesterly reading groups, and Baker School events. These activities provide exposure to intellectual pluralism, inspiring speakers, and opportunities for hands-on learning beyond the classroom.
Church and Liu both point to one of their favorite experiences as participating in a small-group discussion with Dr. Yuval Levin ahead of his Constitution Day lecture at the Baker School. Liu adds that the Tocqueville Scholars book club has been another highlight, noting how the conversations invite students to dive deeply into complex topics and exchange diverse perspectives. Currently, the group is reading American Covenant by Levin. Meeting once a month, the students—split into two cohorts—discuss several chapters at a time, connecting major themes from the book to current issues in U.S. politics.
While Church and Liu are both in their first semester at UT as Tocqueville Scholars, they are already seeing the benefits of the program. Church reflects, “Being a Tocqueville Scholar has shown me how nondivisive politics can be. In our current political climate, everything feels so divided, and political polarization often leads to everyone pointing fingers. However, all the discussions I’ve had within the program have been refreshingly inclusive, no matter the differing opinions within the group.” Liu adds, “Tocqueville has helped me see the flaws in the U.S. government system and taught me to question everything. Our discussions help me understand why certain things are happening and what can be done to change them, for better or worse.”
The Tocqueville Scholars community is made up of curious, motivated, and thoughtful students who are eager to learn from others who share a passion for civics, highlighting how everyone is engaging in it more than they realize.
The Future of Tocqueville
While the program is still in its early years, it has already achieved success. Since its creation in 2024, it continues to grow and inspire students who want to go into public service after graduating. In the 2025-26 year, the Tocqueville Scholar Program awarded 43 scholarships with eight transfer students and 21 new scholars. IAC plans to grow the program with 10-15 scholars per class for a total of 60 award recipients by 2027-28. As Howard H. Baker Jr. said, “Be civil and encourage others to do likewise,” a guiding principle that Tocqueville Scholars carry forward in both their academic and civic pursuits.