{"id":2,"date":"2024-02-06T12:45:37","date_gmt":"2024-02-06T12:45:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dae.utk.edu\/ofc\/?page_id=2"},"modified":"2026-05-06T15:27:04","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T19:27:04","slug":"home","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/dae.utk.edu\/ofc\/","title":{"rendered":"Home"},"content":{"rendered":"

Applications for the Summer 2026 Vol Ready Academy (June 1-6 for rising 8th & 9th graders) are open!\u00a0 APPLY NOW<\/a>– due May 24, 2026.<\/span><\/p>\n

Apply to be a Vol Ready Academy Participant<\/strong>\u00a0<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Are you a current UT Student? Apply by May 20, 2026 to be a Vol Ready Counselor or Videographer.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vol Ready Counselor or Videographer Application<\/strong>\u00a0<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n

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Empowering Tennessee’s Future Through Education<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\r\nThe 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 betw<\/span>een elementary and middle school students and higher education opportunities.\r\n\r\nOur 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. <\/span>
\r\n\r\nLearn more about the designated Flagship Communities, schools, and current organizations that we collaborate with <\/span>here<\/a>.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n
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\"Three-panel<\/p>\n

What We Do<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Learn more about our programs<\/strong><\/span> here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n

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Pillars of Success<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\r\nOur 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:\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\n\"Orange\r\n

Academic Preparation<\/span><\/a><\/h4>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\n\"Orange\r\n

Career Exploration<\/a><\/span><\/h4>\r\n
<\/h5>\r\n
<\/h5>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\n\"Orange\r\n

Test Preparation<\/a><\/span><\/h4>\r\n
<\/h5>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\n\"Orange\r\n

Family Engagement<\/a><\/span><\/h4>\r\n
<\/h5>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n

\"Picture<\/p>\n

Strategic Framework<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Creating Generational Change Through Education<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Our Mission:<\/strong>\u00a0To enhance educational access and community engagement across Tennessee by transforming opportunities for K-8 students, addressing achievement gaps, and inspiring future Volunteers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our Vision:<\/strong>\u00a0To eliminate barriers to college preparation and attainment by creating positive learning spaces that empower students and communities and foster academic achievement across Tennessee\u2019s 95 counties<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n

\"Orange<\/p>\n

Discover how our signature programs prepare students for success through acad<\/span>emic preparation, career exploration, family engagement, and test preparation by visiting our <\/span>programs page<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Learn more about our strategic framework by accessing our strategic plan (digital access coming soon<\/em>).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n

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UT System Statement of Aspirations<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\r\n

We are dedicated to expanding access to educational opportunities, striving to remove barriers, and making academic pursuits more affordable. Consistent with the University\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Approved by the Board of Trustees on February 28, 2025.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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