programs

A Look at the Civic Engagement Roundtable

December 8, 2025 At the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, students are finding their voice in public policy through the Civic Engagement Roundtable (CER), a dynamic, student-led organization housed within the Baker School that’s redefining what it means to get involved in civic life. Turning Ideas Into Action CER aims to give students a platform to…
Inside the Baker School Student Association

October 29, 2025 At the Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs, student leadership takes form in many ways. One of which is through the Baker School Student Association (BSSA). By organizing civic engagement events and building connections across programs, BSSA gives students a platform to shape their Baker experience and…
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,…
Congressional Internship Program – Eli Hicks

Every year, a select group of University of Tennessee, Knoxville students work on Capitol Hill through the Baker School’s Congressional Internship Program. This opportunity places students in the offices of Members of Congress, federal agencies, or government-related organizations, where they gain hands-on experience in public service, policy, and legislative work. Each student brought their curiosity,…
Congressional Internship Program – Adarius Parrish

Every year, a select group of University of Tennessee, Knoxville students work on Capitol Hill through the Baker School’s Congressional Internship Program. This opportunity places students in the offices of U.S. Representatives and Senators, where they gain hands-on experience in public service, policy, and legislative work. Each student brought their curiosity, professionalism, and Volunteer spirit…
Congressional Internship Program – Katie Glagola

Every year, a select group of University of Tennessee, Knoxville students work on Capitol Hill through the Baker School’s Congressional Internship Program. This opportunity places students in the offices of U.S. Representatives and Senators, where they gain hands-on experience in public service, policy, and legislative work. Each student brought their curiosity, professionalism, and Volunteer spirit…
Congressional Internship Program – Cade Simmons

Every year, a select group of University of Tennessee, Knoxville students work on Capitol Hill through the Baker School’s Congressional Internship Program. This opportunity places students in the offices of U.S. Representatives and Senators, where they gain hands-on experience in public service, policy, and legislative work. Each student brought their curiosity, professionalism, and Volunteer spirit…
Congressional Internship Program – Heather Taylor

Every year, a select group of University of Tennessee, Knoxville students work on Capitol Hill through the Baker School’s Congressional Internship Program. This opportunity places students in the offices of U.S. Representatives and Senators, where they gain hands-on experience in public service, policy, and legislative work. Each student brought their curiosity, professionalism, and Volunteer spirit…
A Closer Look at the Japan Ambassadors Experience with Hope Greene

Since starting at the Baker School last fall, Hope Greene prioritized seizing opportunities connected to her interest in national security. Japan’s history, political structure, and cultural influence stood out as areas she wanted to explore more. When Hope first learned about the Japan Ambassadors program, it perfectly combined her academic interests with real-world experience. The…
Baker Students Reflect on the Big Orange Impact of Philanthropy

Philanthropy has a profound impact on the lives of students at the University of Tennessee, empowering them to excel academically, making education accessible, expanding horizons, encouraging excellence, and ensuring program strength. Every year, for one day in November, the University encourages its supporters to mobilize for the Big Orange Give. The annual day of giving…