Baker Future Leaders Program

The Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs is thrilled to announce our brand new pre-collegiate summer program, Baker Future Leaders Program: Exploring Common Ground Through Public Policy!

Dates: June 1–5, 2026

Applications for 2026 are now closed.

The Baker School hosted Keynote Speaker: Congressman Heath Shuler for the Youth in Government Capitol Conference in Nashville this past week, Dean Marianne Wanamaker served as moderator. The Tennessee YMCA Youth in Government Program is an annual conference designed to offer high school and middle school students a hands-on experience with state government. Each year, over 2500 students from across the state converge on the State Capitol, taking the places of our real government officials. Program participants can serve as senators or representatives, as justices and lawyers, as department commissioners and lobbyists, or even as press corps members.

The Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs is thrilled to announce our brand new pre-collegiate summer program, Baker Future Leaders Program: Exploring Common Ground Through Public Policy! This program is designed to immerse the next generation of public servants in topics such as government relations, law, national security, and more. Through hands-on learning experiences with our world-class faculty, students will gain knowledge and experience that will help prepare them for their journey into college and future careers. This 5-day, residential program allows students to explore their interests, make new friends, and experience a taste of life as a Baker Vol. The Baker Future Leaders Program is completely free of cost and open to Tennessee students entering their junior or senior year of high school. Don’t wait! Apply today to secure your spot in our inaugural cohort.

Important Information for Baker Future Leaders Program

Open to Tennessee residents only
Must be a rising high school junior or senior
Free of cost to attend
Residential, students will stay on campus