The following programs are coordinated by The Baker School of Public Policy. They are designed to help you learn about yourself, offer professional experience, and can offer a real-world look at public policy in action. You can find more information on this website.
Congressional Internship Program
The Congressional Internship Program is an experiential learning program designed to enhance students’ opportunities to gain professional experience in Washington, D.C. with a member of Congress, a Congressional Committee, a federal agency, or a non-governmental organization.
Students who are selected to participate will be nominated for an internship and receive support from the Baker School with securing an internship. Acceptance into the program does not guarantee an internship, students are responsible for applying for internships. Final hiring selections and decisions are determined by individual organization or congressional office staff. Most organizations provide a stipend or pay for interns, the total pay amount is dependent on the individual office or organization.
Students selected to participate and who receive an internship will be eligible for housing provided by the University of Tennessee at George Washington University. The program does not include additional stipends or moving expenses.
Congressional interns work closely with legislative staff on a variety of projects, as well as assist with clerical tasks, depending upon the office in which they intern.
Summer internships last from June 2, 2024 – July 25, 2025.
Academic credit is an option, depending on coursework and major.
Tennessee Legislative Internship Program
For more than 50 years, the Tennessee Legislative Internship Program (TLIP) has provided students from across the state with the opportunity to experience Tennessee politics first hand and contribute to the democratic process by serving as interns in the Tennessee General Assembly. At the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TLIP is jointly administered by the Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy & Public Affairs and the Department of Political Science.
Institute Fellows
The institute’s undergraduate fellows program will provide students the opportunity to attend local City Council, County Commission, School Board and Planning Commission, and other government agency meetings as they follow a project, topic, or function of government through the regulatory and/or approval processes.