Skip to content Skip to main navigation Report an accessibility issue

Programs

Fancy diner salad and cutlery at Etiquette Luncheon

Save the Date!

The UTK Etiquette Luncheon will take place on Monday, February 16, 2026 (President’s Day). Be sure to save the date! This special annual luncheon is an experience designed to help high school students build confidence and develop professional dining and networking skills in a formal setting.

Through guided instruction, invited students will learn essential etiquette skills that support success in interviews, internships, and future professional opportunities.

  • Event: UTK Etiquette Luncheon
  • Date: Monday, February 16, 2026 (President’s Day)
  • Location: UTK Culinary Institute Creamery
  • Time: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
  • Invitation only

Vol Ready Passport Program

Students from the Vol Youth Leadership Academy tour Neyland Stadium.

Cover of the "Vol Ready Passport" with torch on the front.

 

Vol Ready is our comprehensive K-8 pipeline program, which aims to address achievement gaps, build college awareness, and support students’ pathways to higher education by emphasizing our four strategic pillars of student success: Academic Preparation, Career Exploration, ACT/SAT Preparation, and Family Engagement.

 

Graduation cap icon.

Academic Preparation (Sept. – June)

Vol G.E.M.S. (Growing Educational Minds for Success): Elementary and Middle School programs focusing on academic growth and college readiness.

Engagement Opportunities: 

  • STEM workshops 
  • 4-H camps 
  • Writing workshops 

Smoky Mountains Icon

Career Exploration (Sept. – April)

UT C.L.I.M.B. (Career Learning Inspiration Mentorship and Brilliance): Exposing students to diverse career paths and professional opportunities.

Engagement Opportunities:

  • Alumni and faculty speaker presentations and mentorship 
  • College and career fairs 
  • Student panels and networking opportunities 
  • Vol Youth Leadership Academy

Open book icon

ACT/SAT Preparation (Sept. – April)

Vol S.T.A.R.T.S. (Strategies to Achieve Readiness for Testing Success): Comprehensive test preparation and college entrance exam support.

Engagement Opportunities 

  • Test preparation sessions
  • Writing Workshops

Group of people iconFamily Engagement (Spring and Fall)

Vol D.R.E.A.M. (Discovering Resources for Engagement Advocacy and Mentorship): Supporting families in navigating educational pathways and college preparation.

Engagement Opportunities: 

  • Parent nights
  • Regional events
  • On-campus experiences and tours 

Students at Vol Youth Leadership Academy take a tour of Neyland Stadium.

Smokey holding the "Vol Ready Passport".

Program Opportunities Include:

  • Alumni speakers and mentorship
  • College and career fairs
  • Regional events and on-campus experiences
  • Academic and career exploration workshops
  • STEM workshops and 4-H camps
  • Family engagement and parent nights
  • Student panels and networking opportunities
  • Test preparation sessions

        •  

Ready to get involved? Fill out the survey below to get connected!

Vol Ready Interest Survey

Please, also feel free to reach out to us directly:

FlagshipCommunities@utk.edu