The Max Baucus Institute
  The Max Baucus Institute invites applications from undergraduate and graduate students attending Montana Tribal Colleges, University of Montana, and Montana State University to be 2024 Baucus Leaders. This is a paid summer internship opportunity in Washington, DC. 

The Baucus Institute is a Montana-based nonprofit organization founded on Max's extensive public service career as the longest-serving U.S. Senator for Montana, and the U.S. Ambassador to China. We work to break down barriers so that Montana students can see, serve, and lead locally and throughout the world. We do this through three areas of focus: public service, climate, and U.S.-China relations.

Baucus Leaders DC Program
 The Baucus Leaders program is founded on Max's legacy as a U.S. Senator and his desire to get Montana students involved in public service. This program is generously supported by the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation. 

Baucus Leaders are placed with U.S. Senate offices as summer interns. The 2024 Baucus Leader placements are not yet finalized, but will be similar to previous years. Examples of partner organizations include: 

• Senator Jon Tester (D–MT)
• Senator Steve Daines (R–MT)
• Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
• Senator Charles Grassley (R–IA)
• Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D–NY)
• Senator Chuck Schumer (D–NY)
• Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO)
• Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) 
• The U.S. Senate Finance Committee 

Final 2024 Baucus Leader placement opportunities will be announced by the end of February 2024.
 

Dates & Funding
  Each internship will start on or around June 1 and end on or around August 1. In past years, each Baucus Leader has received a $5,000 stipend. (This year we are exploring providing housing and a smaller stipend, but it would be the equivalent of $5,000.) The Baucus Leader will be solely responsible for any expenses incurred during the internship period over and above this amount.
 

Qualifications
  Baucus Leaders are selected based on commitment to service, academic performance, and interest in a public service career (working for a U.S. federal, state, local, or tribal government, or nonprofit organization). The program is open to all current undergraduate and graduate students at Montana-based colleges and universities. Students must be in good academic standing at the time of applying. Students must be enrolled full-time at a Montana public college or university during Spring Semester 2024. Students from BIPOC, LGBTQ+2S, and marginalized communities are highly encouraged to apply.

Application Materials

• Resume (upload)
• 500 word statement about why you want to be a Baucus Leader and your commitment and interest in public service 
• Academic Transcript (can be unofficial)
• A letter of recommendation

Applicant Selection Process
  The Institute will select two to three finalists for each internship. Finalists will be notified by email of their selection in late February or early March. The Baucus Leader for each placement will be selected by the DC office. There is NO guarantee that the congressional office or agency will interview finalists in making this determination. A finalist may be required to submit additional application materials to that office.

NOTE: Baucus Leader selections may extend to the end of spring semester 2023.
Applications are due Friday, December 8, 2023 at 5pm MST.
  Please contact Deputy Director Mel Brittner Wells via email (mel.brittnerwells@umontana.edu) with any questions you have about the program. We look forward to reviewing your application.