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An adult stands at the front of a classroom holding a tablet while several children sit at desks; one child in the foreground raises a hand. The room is lit by a window on the right, with backpacks and school supplies visible on desks and shelves.

Applications for the Summer 2026 Vol Ready Academy (June 1-6 for rising 8th & 9th graders) are open!  APPLY NOW by May 24, 2026.

Are you a current UT Student? Click here to apply to be a Vol Ready Counselor.

Empowering Tennessee’s Future Through Education

The Office of Flagship Communities (OFC) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), provides exposure for K-8 students across Tennessee to envision and achieve their college dreams. Through innovative programs and community partnerships, we’re building bridges between elementary and middle school students and higher education opportunities. Our programs support students, families, school counselors, teachers, administrators, nonprofit leaders, learning-focused organizations, and the community on accessible pathways to higher education. By providing our community with valuable information and resources, the office helps create opportunities for all students to gain awareness, exposure, and access to college pathways.
Learn more about the designated Flagship Communities, schools, and current organizations that we collaborate with here.

Three-panel image showing community activities: left panel shows an adult in an orange shirt walking with children in a gymnasium; center panel shows a group of youths gathered indoors, viewed from behind, with a gray shirt reading “DARE TO LEAD”; right panel shows an adult assisting a young student who is writing at a desk, with both wearing orange apparel.

What We Do

Our programs support students, families, school counselors, teachers, administrators, nonprofit leaders, learning-focused organizations, and the community on accessible pathways to higher education. By providing our community with valuable information and resources, the office helps create opportunities for all students to gain awareness, exposure, and access to college pathways.

Learn more about our programs here.

Pillars of Success

Our office is dedicated to fostering university-community partnerships and programming that equips middle and elementary school students for their future. The Office of Flagship Communities has four Pillars of Success to guide our impact:
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Academic Preparation

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Career Exploration

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Test Preparation

 
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Family Engagement

Picture of plush Smokey mascot, standing with his arms out and UTK wearing graduation regalia.

Strategic Framework

Our team prioritizes embracing high-impact best practices that facilitate learning and promote a growth mindset. It focuses on eliminating barriers to college preparation, connection, and attainment while creating positive learning spaces to foster academic achievement and growth by subject matter expertise.

Creating Generational Change Through Education

Our Mission: To enhance educational access and community engagement across Tennessee by transforming opportunities for K-8 students, addressing achievement gaps, and inspiring future Volunteers.

Our Vision: To eliminate barriers to college preparation and attainment by creating positive learning spaces that empower students and communities and foster academic achievement across Tennessee’s 95 counties

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Discover how our signature programs prepare students for success through academic preparation, career exploration, family engagement, and test preparation by visiting our programs page.

Learn more about our strategic framework by accessing our strategic plan (digital access coming soon).

UT System Statement of Aspirations

We are dedicated to expanding access to educational opportunities, striving to remove barriers, and making academic pursuits more affordable. Consistent with the University’s commitment to high academic standards, student achievement, and the preparation of responsible citizens, we believe that engaging with individuals from all backgrounds and perspectives fosters a vibrant learning environment that enhances critical thinking and intellectual growth. Our collective strengths make us stronger, and we are committed to promoting an atmosphere where all members of the University community feel welcome, can thrive, and achieve success.

Approved by the Board of Trustees on February 28, 2025.