• Skip to main content

Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

University of Tennessee logo
  • About Us
    • Mission and Vision
    • Faculty and Staff
    • History
    • Board
    • Organization
    • Modern Political Archives
  • For Students
    • About
    • Living Learning Community
    • Baker Ambassadors
    • Baker Scholars
    • Washington Fellows
    • Public Policy Analytics Minor
  • For Faculty
    • Mission and Vision
    • Find an Expert
  • Research
    • Energy and Environment
    • Global Security
    • Leadership and Governance
    • Publications
  • News and Events
  • Institute of American Civics
  • Give    
Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy logo
About Us For Students For Faculty Research News & Events Institute of American Civics Give
Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy

For Students

  • About Our Programs
  • Baker Living Learning Community
  • Baker Ambassadors
  • Baker Scholars
  • Washington Fellows
  • Japan Ambassadors Program
  • Public Policy Analytics Minor
  • Tennessee Campus Civics Summit
Baker Center Students

Exploring Democracy, Promoting Leadership

We are committed to engaging students in the public policy process. Inspired by Senator Baker’s values of civility and integrity, the Center prepares students for careers in public service through professional development programming, academic opportunities, and service experiences. Through research, teaching, mentorship, and engagement, the Center’s student programs seek to provide a forum for exploring democracy and promoting leadership in public service.

Mission

To equip students with the experiences and tools they need to launch meaningful careers.

Vision

Citizens, scholars, and public servants ready to tackle the most pressing public policy problems.

Student Programs

Baker Ambassadors

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.

LEARN MORE
Baker Scholars

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.

LEARN MORE
Washington Fellows

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.

LEARN MORE
Public Policy Analytics Minor

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.

LEARN MORE
Baker Living Learning Community

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.

LEARN MORE
Japan Ambassadors Program

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.

LEARN MORE

Baker Experience

The Baker Center is committed to engaging students in the public policy process, and the Center prepares students for careers in public service through various service experiences.

Congressional Internship Program
Tennessee State Legislative Internship Program
Knoxville Internship Program

Program Partnerships

Our student programs also support the following programs through targeted partnerships. Learn more through the links below.

Diplomacy Lab
National Honors and Scholars Program: Rhodes Scholars, Marshall Scholars, Fulbright and Boren Fellowships
National Campaign for Political and Civic Engagement at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Institute of Politics
Roosevelt Institute
Speech and Debate
Mock Trial
Vols Vote
Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature
Engagement

Visiting the Baker Center

Facilities & Reservations

Appalachian Leadership Institute

Institute of American Civics

Modern Political Archives

Baker Briefing Newsletter

News and Events

Podcast

Faculty

Faculty and Staff

Find an Expert

Faculty Fellows

Publications

Grants and Contracts

Research

Students

About Our Student Programs

Living Learning Community

Baker Ambassadors

Baker Scholars

Washington Fellows

Japan Ambassadors Program

Minor in Public Policy Analytics

Diplomacy Lab

Vols Vote

Tennessee Campus Civics Summit

University of Tennessee logo

1640 Cumberland Avenue
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-3340
Phone: 865-974-0931
Email: bakercenter@utk.edu

Visiting the Baker Center

Facilities & Reservations

Appalachian Leadership Institute

Institute of American Civics

Modern Political Archives

Baker Briefing Newsletter

News and Events

Podcast

Faculty

Faculty and Staff

Find an Expert

Faculty Fellows

Publications

Grants and Contracts

Research

Modern Political Archive

Students

About Our Student Programs

Living Learning Community

Baker Ambassadors

Baker Scholars

Washington Fellows

Japan Ambassadors Program

Minor in Public Policy Analytics

Diplomacy Lab

Vols Vote

Tennessee Campus Civics Summit

University of Tennessee logo

“I increasingly believe that the essence of leadership...is to be an eloquent listener.”
—Howard H. Baker Jr.





Copyright © 2023 · Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy