{"id":43,"date":"2025-06-06T15:37:01","date_gmt":"2025-06-06T19:37:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dae.utk.edu\/ofc\/?page_id=43"},"modified":"2026-04-16T12:39:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T16:39:00","slug":"frequently-asked-questions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/dae.utk.edu\/ofc\/frequently-asked-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"panel-group\" id=\"custom-collapse-0\" role=\"tablist\" aria-multiselectable=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"panel  panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h3 class=\"panel-title\"><a class=\"collapsed\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#custom-collapse-0\"\" href=\"#custom-collapse-0-0\"  aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"#custom-collapse-0-0\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"icon-collapse\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M0 7.33l2.829-2.83 9.175 9.339 9.167-9.339 2.829 2.83-11.996 12.17z\"\/><\/svg> <strong>What is the Office of Flagship Communities?<\/strong><\/a><\/h3><\/div><div id=\"custom-collapse-0-0\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse panel-collapse collapse\"><div class=\"panel-body\"><\/p>\n<p>UT&#8217;s Office of Flagship Communities (OFC) is a team within the <a href=\"https:\/\/dae.utk.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Division of Access and Engagement<\/a> dedicated to fostering university-community partnerships that inspire middle and elementary school students to consider post-secondary education. We ensure that students have access to the resources they need to succeed. Through programs and partnerships, the office raises awareness that an education at the University of Tennessee is available, accessible, and within reach for all students.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"panel  panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h3 class=\"panel-title\"><a class=\"collapsed\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#custom-collapse-0\"\" href=\"#custom-collapse-0-1\"  aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"#custom-collapse-0-1\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"icon-collapse\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M0 7.33l2.829-2.83 9.175 9.339 9.167-9.339 2.829 2.83-11.996 12.17z\"\/><\/svg> <strong>How does the OFC support students and families?<\/strong><\/a><\/h3><\/div><div id=\"custom-collapse-0-1\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse panel-collapse collapse\"><div class=\"panel-body\"><\/p>\n<p>We provide programming focused on academic preparation, career exploration, test prep, and family engagement to help students succeed on their path to higher education. We identify and remove barriers to post-secondary opportunities.<\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"panel  panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h3 class=\"panel-title\"><a class=\"collapsed\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#custom-collapse-0\"\" href=\"#custom-collapse-0-2\"  aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"#custom-collapse-0-2\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"icon-collapse\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M0 7.33l2.829-2.83 9.175 9.339 9.167-9.339 2.829 2.83-11.996 12.17z\"\/><\/svg> Are there benefits to early college exploration and awareness for <strong>elementary or middle school students?<\/strong><\/a><\/h3><\/div><div id=\"custom-collapse-0-2\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse panel-collapse collapse\"><div class=\"panel-body\"><\/p>\n<p>Yes. Data shows that early exploration and exposure to developmental opportunities can motivate and empower students with the tools to achieve success. Elementary and middle school is not too early to begin introducing students to pathways to higher education by providing college awareness, alignment, and experiences.<\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"panel  panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h3 class=\"panel-title\"><a class=\"collapsed\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#custom-collapse-0\"\" href=\"#custom-collapse-0-3\"  aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"#custom-collapse-0-3\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"icon-collapse\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M0 7.33l2.829-2.83 9.175 9.339 9.167-9.339 2.829 2.83-11.996 12.17z\"\/><\/svg> <strong>What is Vol Ready?<\/strong><\/a><\/h3><\/div><div id=\"custom-collapse-0-3\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse panel-collapse collapse\"><div class=\"panel-body\"><\/p>\n<p>Our <a href=\"https:\/\/dae.utk.edu\/ofc\/programs\/\">Vol Ready Program<\/a> addresses achievement gaps, builds college awareness, and supports pathways to the University of Tennessee. Our comprehensive signature programs prepare K-8 students for success through academic preparation, career exploration, family engagement, and college readiness.<\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"panel  panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h3 class=\"panel-title\"><a class=\"collapsed\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#custom-collapse-0\"\" href=\"#custom-collapse-0-4\"  aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"#custom-collapse-0-4\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"icon-collapse\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M0 7.33l2.829-2.83 9.175 9.339 9.167-9.339 2.829 2.83-11.996 12.17z\"\/><\/svg> <strong>What is a Flagship School?<\/strong><\/a><\/h3><\/div><div id=\"custom-collapse-0-4\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse panel-collapse collapse\"><div class=\"panel-body\"><\/p>\n<p>UT is committed to making higher education more affordable and accessible to Tennesseans through its Flagship Scholarship program. This program is part of the <a href=\"https:\/\/onestop.utk.edu\/scholarships-financial-aid\/scholarships\/tri-star-scholarships\/#flagship\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">UT Tri-Star Scholarship suite<\/a>, which is specifically designed to help Tennesseans achieve an affordable education at the university. With the addition of 14 high schools in 2024, there are now a total of 52 Flagship high schools in Tennessee.<\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"panel  panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h3 class=\"panel-title\"><a class=\"collapsed\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#custom-collapse-0\"\" href=\"#custom-collapse-0-5\"  aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"#custom-collapse-0-5\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"icon-collapse\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M0 7.33l2.829-2.83 9.175 9.339 9.167-9.339 2.829 2.83-11.996 12.17z\"\/><\/svg> <strong>What is the Flagship Scholarship?<\/strong><\/a><\/h3><\/div><div id=\"custom-collapse-0-5\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse panel-collapse collapse\"><div class=\"panel-body\"><\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/onestop.utk.edu\/scholarships-financial-aid\/scholarships\/tri-star-scholarships\/#flagship\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Flagship Scholarship program<\/a> ensures that graduates from Flagship high schools who are admitted to UT Knoxville receive scholarships that cover tuition and mandatory fees in combination with the <a href=\"https:\/\/onestop.utk.edu\/scholarships-financial-aid\/scholarships\/hope-lottery-scholarship\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HOPE scholarship<\/a>. This initiative aims to alleviate financial barriers and make higher education more attainable for students across the state.<\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"panel  panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h3 class=\"panel-title\"><a class=\"collapsed\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#custom-collapse-0\"\" href=\"#custom-collapse-0-6\"  aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"#custom-collapse-0-6\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"icon-collapse\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M0 7.33l2.829-2.83 9.175 9.339 9.167-9.339 2.829 2.83-11.996 12.17z\"\/><\/svg> <strong>How can schools become partners?<\/strong><\/a><\/h3><\/div><div id=\"custom-collapse-0-6\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse panel-collapse collapse\"><div class=\"panel-body\"><\/p>\n<p>We focus on elementary and middle schools that feed directly into the 52 high schools designated as Flagship schools. These high schools are evaluated every three years based on socioeconomic metrics. Please, feel free to reach out to us to inquire: <a href=\"mailto:FlagshipCommunities@utk.edu\">FlagshipCommunities@utk.edu<\/a><\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"panel  panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h3 class=\"panel-title\"><a class=\"collapsed\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#custom-collapse-0\"\" href=\"#custom-collapse-0-7\"  aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"#custom-collapse-0-7\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"icon-collapse\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M0 7.33l2.829-2.83 9.175 9.339 9.167-9.339 2.829 2.83-11.996 12.17z\"\/><\/svg> <strong>How can I get involved?<\/strong><\/a><\/h3><\/div><div id=\"custom-collapse-0-7\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse panel-collapse collapse\"><div class=\"panel-body\"><\/p>\n<p>Educators, community leaders, families, and students can participate in OFC programs, events, and partnerships. Contact your regional coordinator or use our contact form to learn more: <a href=\"mailto:FlagshipCommunities@utk.edu\">FlagshipCommunities@utk.edu<\/a><\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"panel  panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h3 class=\"panel-title\"><a class=\"collapsed\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#custom-collapse-0\"\" href=\"#custom-collapse-0-8\"  aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"#custom-collapse-0-8\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"icon-collapse\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M0 7.33l2.829-2.83 9.175 9.339 9.167-9.339 2.829 2.83-11.996 12.17z\"\/><\/svg> <strong>Helpful Links<\/strong><\/a><\/h3><\/div><div id=\"custom-collapse-0-8\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse panel-collapse collapse\"><div class=\"panel-body\"><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/admissions.utk.edu\/tours-and-events\/\">Tours and Events<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/onestop.utk.edu\/\">OneStop Student Services (Financial Aid)<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/dae.utk.edu\/\">Division of Access and Engagement<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/admissions.utk.edu\/\">Office of Undergraduate Admissions<\/a><\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p><strong>Contact Us<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Email: <a href=\"mailto:FlagshipCommunities@utk.edu\">FlagshipCommunities@utk.edu<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Contact Us Email: FlagshipCommunities@utk.edu<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-43","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - 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