While most classes have ceased, the sidewalks stay active as hundreds of youth flood to the University of Tennessee.

With traditional students home for the summer, educational conferences keep the campus bustling with excitement. 

During the warmer months, UT transforms into an educational hub for students of all ages from across the state and country.

The university hosts several programs in which youth can visit Knoxville and gain hands-on experience in various fields of study. 

Vol Ready Academy

Over the past few years, the university has made a coordinated effort to provide support and educational resources for students in communities facing limited opportunities.

Vol Ready Academy is an immersive leadership event that gives students an in-depth look at the college experience, beneficial opportunities and important leadership skills.

This program is hosted by the Office of Flagship Communities. Their mission is to provide support and create educational opportunities for students in underserved areas. 

The flagship designation is based on the state’s economically disadvantaged counties ranging from rural to urban zones.

Assistant Director Dakota Hodges said, “We really seek to empower students through our four pillars of student success: academic preparation, career exploration, family engagement and test preparation.”

This conference allows students transitioning to high school to create a foundation for personal and professional development throughout their high school journeys.

Students explore various leadership styles and theories and gain experiences with different departments on campus. 

The Office of Flagship Communities plans to expand their outreach to more middle and high schools throughout Tennessee.

Director Hannah Hodges said the office is dedicated to improving the lives of youth across the Volunteer State.

“A lot of our work revolves around making sure that students know about other resources, not just with the University of Tennessee,” she said. “We’re volunteers at heart, and at the core of what we do is volunteering to make our community better.”

Governor’s School for the Sciences and Engineering

Academic pursuits do not end when class dismisses in May. UT becomes a learning center for some of the most scholastically gifted students in the state.

The Governor’s Schools were proposed by Tennessee Governor Lamar Alexander to provide opportunities for high achieving students in the state.

Since its establishment in 1985, The Governor’s School for the Sciences and Engineering (GSSE) has been held at UT.

This year, almost 200 rising juniors and seniors participated in the four-week residential opportunity to take part in advanced studies, laboratory experience and research in several different disciplines. 

Jackson Lain, resident staff member at GSSE, shared his unique experience starting as a student enrolled in the program and shifting into a leadership position years later.

“I was homeschooled my entire life, so it opened my eyes to what it looked like to be among some of the most academically talented students in the state,” Lain said. “It was such a formative experience for me that it really made me want to return and try to recreate that same experience for the students in the program.”

As a Carnegie R1 institution, research is an integral part of the university. UT harbors the equipment, resources and personnel necessary to create a meaningful experience revolving around innovation.

While the advanced educational experiences are the cornerstone of GSSE, the conference also allows students to learn about campus life.

“This program is a great way for students to see the campus for how it really is, not just a game day tailgate or concert at Food City Center, but a real academic look into college life on Knoxville’s gorgeous campus,” Lain said. “The class work, the emphasis on campus resources and the in-depth look into university residence halls, dining halls and academic buildings make this program truly one of a kind.”

Vol 103: On-campus Experience

As the fall semester is rapidly approaching, UT’s Office of First-Year Experience aims to assist students in that major life adjustment.

Through Vol 103: On-campus Experience, incoming freshmen and their families can spend a day on campus connecting with academic and life resources, meeting new students and touring university housing.

Orientation leader Lexi Rush said, “This program has successfully aided hundreds of students each year by providing the resources and information necessary to set the tone for a strong academic experience while on Rocky Top.”

Vol 103 aims to prepare students for a successful start to their college career by offering a resource fair, informational sessions and academic advising meetings throughout orientation. 

Rush said, “My time spent on this team has shown me the true dedication that the university has to the success of every student who is a part of the Volunteer family.”

The university is not just home to post-secondary education. It is dedicated to providing service and education for all.