Baker Ambassadors is an action-oriented program that gives students hands-on opportunities in the areas that interest them. From coordinating a voter registration campaign, to hosting candidates for the state’s gubernatorial election, to discussing foreign policy with ambassadors and diplomats, students gain invaluable experience and connections. Baker Ambassadors must commit to the principles of civility and integrity in the spirit of Senator Baker and be dedicated to the spirit of public service.

The Baker Scholar program requires students to undertake a multi-year project that involves either research on a specific policy issue or implementation of a creative initiative that contributes toward understanding of public policy issues, governance, civic engagement, or public service. Scholars are paired with faculty or professional mentors who serve as resources and help direct their project.

The Washington Fellows program is a two-week study trip to Washington, D.C. Students meet with Washington insiders including elected officials, bureaucrats, lobbyists, and members of the media. Students explore the political system and experience how individuals work in policy-related fields.

The minor in Policy Analytics is intended to provide skills in employing advanced analytical methods that have become critical to the design, implementation and evaluation of public policy on the part of government agencies, nonprofits, think tanks and researchers. Students are exposed to the foundations of public policy and the policy-making process, analytical tools from economics and political science, quantitative methods and program evaluation techniques.

The Baker Living Learning Community (BLLC) provides first-year students interested in politics and public service with an instant community that will enrich their undergraduate experience. The BLLC is designed for first-year students who want to improve their understanding of our system of governance and public policy within an established mentored student support network. Students accepted into the BLLC live together in a university residence hall and take courses together their first-year, which also fulfills Volunteer Core requirements for many majors.

The Japan Ambassadors program is a 12-day international immersive experience in Japan from May 28-June 8, 2023. Students will follow in the footsteps of former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Howard H. Baker to learn about Japanese culture, politics, history, and U.S.-Japan relations through meetings with Japanese policy makers, U.S. diplomatic staff, researchers at thinktanks, and Japanese university students. Visit museums, cultural sites, thinktanks, Japanese government agencies, and universities.