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Our Programs

Plush Smokey UTK mascot wearing a bright orange jersey with white numbers "00", holding a white rectangular sign with orange text reading “VOL READY,” shown against a transparent background.

Vol Ready Programs are our comprehensive K-8 pipeline programs aiming to have Flagship Community students ready for their future by addressing achievement gaps, building college and career awareness, and supporting students’ pathways to higher education. Our programs emphasize our four strategic pillars of success:

Academic Preparation, Career Exploration, Test Preparation, and Family Engagement.

REGISTER TODAY for the 2026 ACT Bootcamp

Deadline to register is September 1, 2026.

Click here to register

ACT Bootcamp

Event date: September 12, 8:00am-3:00pm

Location: University of Tennessee, Strong Hall 101

High School Seniors! Join the Office of Flagship Communities & UTK TRIO Programs on September 12th, for the 2026 ACT Bootcamp. This will be a day-long workshop to help you raise your ACT score or to help you to be better prepared to take the ACT. We are bringing in a national firm (MasteryPrep) to teach the workshop. There are a limited number of slots available, so you must reserve your slot in advance and be committed to being there.

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Academic Preparation

 Elementary and Middle School programs focusing on academic growth and college readiness.

Engagement Opportunities:

  • STEM Engagements
  • Writing workshops

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Career Exploration

Exposing students to diverse career paths and professional opportunities.

Engagement Opportunities:

  • Faculty and student speaker presentations and mentorship
  • College and career fairs
  • Student panels and networking opportunities
  • Vol Ready Academy

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Test Preparation

Comprehensive test preparation and college entrance exam support.

REGISTER TODAY for the 2026 ACT Bootcamp on September 12 8:00am-3:00pm. Deadline to register is August 28, 2026.

Click here to register

Engagement Opportunities:

  • State test preparation sessions for all ages
  • ACT/SAT test preparation

Orange group of people icon with grey outline.Family Engagement

Supporting families in navigating educational pathways and college preparation.

Engagement Opportunities:

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

Grey torch with a flame on the left side of text reading in bold capitalization, "VOL READY ACADEMY".

Vol Ready Academy

The Vol Ready Academy (VRA) is a week-long, on-campus leadership development experience in the summer hosted by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Office of Flagship Communities within the Division of Access and Engagement. This program is designed for rising 8th and rising 9th-grade students and introduces them to the foundational principles of impactful leadership and collaboration. The Academy is held the first week in June.

 Summer 2027 Applications will open in February 2027.

Read more

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Etiquette Luncheon

The High School Etiquette Luncheon was held on Monday, February 16, 2026 (President’s Day). 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.

Be on the lookout for next year’s opportunity!

 

Questions or Program Suggestions?

Contact Us at [email protected]