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2025 Junior Commissioner Program

The Junior Commission logo

J.C. Class of 2024

J.C. Class of 2023

Knox County Commissioners believe community engagement and civic education is vitally important to a healthy republic and functioning democracy. As such, the Knox County Commission has established an annual “Junior Commission” civics education and youth leadership program where Knox County high school students (juniors or seniors) can become a more engaged and informed citizen by participating in this unique program. Junior Commission participants will learn the functions of their local government and further develop healthy citizenry habits, all while promoting the importance of community engagement and public service.

The application period for the Junior Commissioner program is now closed. Stay tuned for the announcement of the Class of 2025 Junior Commissioners, coming at the beginning of January.

The following key dates and activities apply to all Junior Commissioners. All applicants must be able to verify they will be able to participate in all the scheduled events outlined below. Only one excused absence is allowed to complete the Junior Commissioner graduation.

November

  • (Thursday, Nov. 21)         Application Portal Opens

December

  • (Thursday, Dec. 19)        Application deadline – all submissions in by 5:00pm (EST)
  • (Monday, Dec. 23)          Applications sent to Commissioners for review and selection.

January*

  • (Thursday, Jan. 2)           Commissioner selections due
  • (Monday, Jan. 6)              Junior Commissioner Class of 2025 announced publicly & posted online.
  • (Thursday, Jan. 16)          (4:00 – 7:00p)   Orientation Session & Tour of CCB
  • (Wednesday, Jan. 22)     (4:00 – 7:00p)   Agenda Review & Zonings Meeting
  • (Monday, Jan. 27)            (4:00 – 7:00p)   Beer Board & Commission Meeting
  • (Tuesday, Jan. 28)           (4:00 – 7:00p)   Field Trip #1 – KCSO + District Attorney (@ Detention Facility)

February*

  • (Thursday, Feb. 6)           (4:00 – 7:00p)   Field Trip #2 – Engineering & Public Works + Planning (@ TBD)
  • (Thursday, Feb. 13)         (4:00 – 7:00p)   Field Trip #3 – Health Dept. + Libraries + Elections (@ TBD)
  • (Wednesday, Feb. 19)    (4:00 – 7:00p)   Special Session & Zonings Meeting
  • (Monday, Feb. 24)          (4:00 – 7:00p)   Beer Board & Commission Meeting

March*

  • (Monday, Mar. 3)            (4:00 – 7:00p)   Mock Meeting & Debrief
  • (Monday, Mar. 24)          (4:00 – 7:00p)   Agenda Review & Zonings Meeting
  • (Monday, Mar. 31)          (5:00 – 6:00p)   Commission Meeting – Graduation / Honorary Resolution

April

  • (Tuesday, Apr. 1)             (6:30 – 8:00p)   Graduation Banquet (@ Calhoun’s on the River)

* During the months of January – March, each Junior Commissioner must attend a minimum of one (1) public event with their Commissioner and turn in the feedback form.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

  • How are the Junior Commissioners chosen? 
    After all the submissions are accepted, each Knox County Commissioner is sent their completed applications for review. Over the holiday break, each Commissioner will select their own Junior Commissioner. Once our office confirms participation, the Class of 2025 Junior Commissioners will be locked in and announced on January 6th.
  • Who is eligible to apply for the Junior Commission program?
    This program is open to Knox County residents who is a junior or senior in a Knox County public, private or accredited home school program (as recognized by the State of TN Dept. of Education).
  • How do I know if my home school program is eligible?
    The State of Tennessee Department of Education publishes an annual list of more than 600 “non-public schools,” which includes private schools and home school umbrella programs. You can find the list at this link: https://www.tn.gov/education/families/school-options/non-public-schools.html  
  • What is the dress code? 
    Unless specifically instructed, as a participant in the Junior Commission program, you are expected to come dressed in professional business attire, just like your mentor Commissioners. 
  • When will the program sessions end each evening? 
    Please see the enclosed schedule. We will work hard to make sure no session lasts beyond 9:00pm. 
  • Do I need to bring my own food? 
    No, we will provide meals during your sessions. It is advised to bring your own water bottle and any specific snacks you might want to have on hand. 
  • Is transportation provided? Is there any reimbursement for parking? 
    No, unfortunately, we are unable to provide transportation. Each Junior Commissioner is responsible for their own transportation to every event. Parking will be provided.
  • Do my parents / guardians need to stay during our sessions?  
    No, not unless they want to (but they are always welcome). It’s ok if you are dropped off / picked up at each session and our team will be there to supervise all participants. 
  • How do I find the Small & Main Assembly Room? 
    Come in the front door of the City / County Building (400 Main St., Downtown Knoxville) and when you go through security, one of the PBA officers will help you find our location. 
  • Will my child be alone or ride with their mentor Commissioner? 
    All Junior Commissioner sessions will be group events. No student will be alone or ride with their mentor. For the community participation event, parents/guardians will be invited to join their student if they wish. 
  • What will be required of each student during school hours? If so, will an absence be excused? 
    Besides the scheduled outlined in this packet, no additional time is required during normal school hours. If there is any time needed away from school, please contact your Principal and Commissioner to arrange for permission and documentation. 
  • Can I get extra credit for participating in the Junior Commissioner program?
    Maybe… any type of extra credit should be discussed with your teacher and/or Principal. If needed, our office can provide documentation once you graduate from the Junior Commissioner program.
  • How much time do I need to commit to be part of this program?
    Each Junior Commissioner who is chosen will be asked (along with their parents/guardians) to complete a program expectation form acknowledging they understand the terms of the program. While one excused absence is allowed during the program, we highly encourage you to only apply if you can make every event/session. Please keep in mind, if you are chosen, and cannot participate in all the sessions, you’re taking a spot away from another student who will be able to.
  • Will photos be taken? How will they be used? 
    Yes. We will have an official photographer take headshots of each student, a group photo, and various photos throughout the program to document the sessions. Many of these will be posted on our Junior Commission web page and may also be used in social and traditional media stories. As outlined in your waiver, participation in this program includes allowing for your photo to be taken and used for promotional purposes. 
  • If selected, do I need to prepare for anything in advance of the first session?
    No. We will review everything during the orientation session – no homework!
  • How can I learn more about the Knox County Commission? 
    You can learn about the County Commission at: www.knoxcounty.org/commission. There you’ll find information on your Commissioner, meeting agendas, rules, documents on how local government works, etc. You can also watch any past or current Commission meetings.

Click here to view the 2024 Junior Commissioner Program

Click here to view the 2023 Junior Commissioner Program

For additional questions, please contact the County Commission Office at commission@knoxcounty.org or (865) 215-2534.