Knoxville's Community Development Corporation
Location Description
Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC) strives to improve neighborhoods and communities by providing quality affordable housing, advancing development initiatives, and fostering self-sufficiency. KCDC serves as the housing authority for Knoxville and Knox County and the Redevelopment Agency for the City of Knoxville. Since 1936, KCDC has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Knoxville. The majority of KCDC records are housed in the Knox County Archives in downtown Knoxville. The practicum will be a combination of remote and onsite work. The onsite work will include locations such as the Knox County Archives, KCDC Main Office, and other archives around Knoxville.
Practicum Work Mode
Flexible / Hybrid
Semesters or Time Period Available
Ongoing, not limited to a specific semester
Location
901 N. Broadway
Knoxville, TN 37917
https://www.kcdc.org
Contact
Marisa Moazen
Chief Strategy Officer
mmoazen@kcdc.org
865-403-1150
Student Tasks
Students will have the opportunity to contribute to a meaningful and creative project commemorating the 90th Anniversary of Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC) in 2026. This practicum involves researching and curating both a physical and digital exhibit that honors KCDC’s rich legacy.
KCDC’s history is well-documented through photographs, videos, and media coverage at both local and national levels. Archival sources may include, but are not limited to:
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Archives
• State of Tennessee Archives
• Knox County Archives
• Beck Cultural Center Archives
• Local media archives
• Oral histories from former elected officials, KCDC board members, and staff
Students will gain hands-on experience by visiting archival sites, conducting interviews, and helping shape the vision and content of the 90th Anniversary displays. In addition to curating materials, responsibilities may include transcribing video/audio content, creating new collections, commissioning models or exhibit elements, and collaborating with KCDC’s in-house videographer and communications team.
This is a unique opportunity to help shape a milestone celebration from the ground up. With no fixed plan in place, students will play an active role in developing both the concept and the execution of the anniversary exhibits. Multiple display locations throughout the city are being considered, and the materials compiled may also serve as a foundational archive for future anniversaries—such as the 100th or 125th.
Type of Mentoring Provided to the Student
We create effective internships by collaborating with students to create clearly defined goals, offering feedback on projects and performance in weekly meetings, and providing opportunities for students to reflect on their experiences.
Student Interaction With Others at the Location
Practica students will work with our communications team as well as archivists at each of the aforementioned locations.