Institute Fellows
The institute’s undergraduate fellows program provides students the opportunity to attend local City Council, County Commission, School Board and Planning Commission, and other government agency meetings as they follow a project, topic, or function of government through the regulatory and/or approval processes.
Why Institute Fellows?
At the Baker School, Institute Fellows have opportunities to learn beyond the classroom, engage with people who hold different perspectives, and put civic knowledge into practice. The experience is grounded in the belief that a healthy democracy depends on informed citizens who are willing to listen, engage respectfully, and contribute to the public good.
Highlights
Students will have regular meetings with IAC Associate Director and Professor Emeritus of Political Science Bill Lyons, who also served as Chief Policy Officer for 16 years in the City of Knoxville.
Here they will explore the structures, issues, and interests and their resolution in the local political arena.
The goal is to increase student engagement in politics and their appreciation for the critical work of local government.
Students receive a $1,000 stipend at the conclusion for meeting the program requirements.
Eligibility
Applicants must be enrolled in UTK as a full-time, undergraduate student
Applicants must be in good academic standing with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA
Applicants can be undergraduate students of all majors, minors, and degree programs
Applicants can be students of all classifications (i.e. freshmen, sophomore, etc.)
Application
Application opens November 2, 2026.