2026 Baucus Leaders DC Application
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The Max Baucus Institute
The Max Baucus Institute invites applications from undergraduate and graduate students attending Montana-based universities and colleges to be 2026 Baucus Leaders DC. 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 2026 Baucus Leader placements are not yet finalized, but will be bipartisan and similar to previous years. Examples of partner DC offices include:
- Senator Steve Daines (R–MT)
- Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT)
- Senator Amy Klobuchar (D–MN)
- Senator Charles Grassley (R–IA)
- Senator Jack Reed (D-RI)
- Senator John Hoeven (R-ND)
- Senator Chuck Schumer (D–NY)
- Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID)
- The U.S. Senate Indian Affairs Committee
Dates & Funding
Each internship will start on or around June 1 and end on or around August 1. Baucus Leaders DC receive a $5,000 stipend to support travel and living expenses. The Baucus Institute also provides optional group housing (shared rooms) at a very discounted rate. 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 2026. Students from BIPOC, LGBTQ+2S, and underserved communities are highly encouraged to apply.
Application Materials
- 500 word statement about why you want to be a Baucus Leader and your commitment and interest in public service
- Resume
- Academic Transcript (can be unofficial)
- 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. Finalists will likely be interviewed by the DC office either by phone or online, but there is no guarantee that an interview will be conducted as part of their selection process. The DC office has final selection of their Baucus Leader(s). A finalist may be required to submit additional application materials to that office.
Applications are due Friday, January 23, 2026 at 11:59pm MST.
Please contact us at hello@baucusinstitute.org with any questions you have about the program. We look forward to reviewing your application.