Applicants for the Tennessee Legislative Internship Program must be:

• Enrolled as a junior, senior, graduate student, or law student
• At least 20 years of age before January 12, 2026
• A 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA at the time of application

Students from all majors and academic programs are encouraged to apply. The program recognizes that public service benefits from a wide range of educational backgrounds and experiences.

Selected applicants will be appointed as legislative interns for the 2026 session of the Tennessee General Assembly. The internship period begins on Monday, January 12, 2026 and concludes on Friday, May 1, 2026.

The internship period is not concurrent with the UT semester calendar, University holidays such as Spring Break are not observed by the General Assembly.

Interns will be assigned to work in legislative leadership offices and committees from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Duties will vary from office to office, but may include bill analysis, constituent work, computer and library research, and general office work.

Interns are expected to attend weekly TLIP Intern Meetings coordinated by the TLIP Coordinators which may include guest speakers, site visits, service projects, and other events with the student interns.

UTK TLIP Interns will have the ability to register for 12-15 hours of academic credit during their semester internship. The Baker School and the Department of Political Science collaborate to offer students courses that provide support and context for their internship experience. Further, we work with each individual student to determine which courses will keep them on track for graduation.

TLIP Interns will earn $8,000 during the spring semester and be paid on a weekly or monthly basis (approx. $500/week).

This stipend will also cover a $400 relocation fee and allow for reimbursement for travel from Nashville to UT once per month (approx. $200 total).

Students should note that all stipend payments, including the relocation allowance, are treated as taxable income.

Step One: Complete the application on Handshake

The following materials should be uploaded to the Application:

• Questionnaire and Autobiography (details in the Handshake Application)
• Transcript
• Resume

Apply Here

Step Two: Faculty Appraisals

Send the appraisal link to the 2 individuals identified on your application as faculty who will be completing appraisals for you.

Please remind each appraiser to complete the survey submitted by noon on Friday, September 27, 2024.

Appraisals

Step Three: Interview

All applicants are interviewed by the UT TLIP Selection Committee – the selection committee is composed of members from the Baker School, Department of Political Science, College of Communication & Information, and UT Institute of Agriculture. The tentative dates for interviews are October 1-2, 2025.

Some students may be required to complete an in-person interview in Nashville on October 28 or October 29, 2025

Step Four: Selection and Orientation

Once students are accepted, there will be mandatory pre-departure orientations and a student reception with members of the Knox County Legislative Delegation. Those dates will be announced at a later date.