2026 Big Barn Dialogues Application
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The Max Baucus Institute
The Max S. Baucus Institute invites undergraduate and graduate students attending Montana-based universities and colleges to be a 2026 Baucus Leader at the Big Barn Dialogues, held June 23-25 in Big Sky, Montana.
The Baucus Institute is a Montana-based nonprofit 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.
Big Barn Dialogues
Each year, the Baucus Institute brings 4 to 6 students to the Big Barn Dialogues. Held at the Yellowstone Club in Big Sky, Montana, the Big Barn Dialogues are a high-level and invitation-only event focused on U.S.-China Relations. The Baucus Institute students are responsible for taking notes during the conference, then organizing those notes into a succinct and detailed document that is shared with all the participants.
Dates & Funding
June 23 - 25, 2026 at the Yellowstone Club in Big Sky, MT.
Hotel rooms are provided in Big Sky for the nights of June 23 and 24. Students will be reimbursed for mileage and receive a $250 stipend for their work.
Qualifications
Baucus Leaders at Big Barn will be selected based on commitment to public service, academic performance, and interest in U.S.-China relations. The program is open to all students currently enrolled (online or in-person) as undergrad or graduate students at a Montana-based college or university. Students must be in good academic standing and continue to be enrolled in Spring Semester 2026. Students from BIPOC, LGBTQ+2S, and under-resourced communities are highly encouraged to apply.
Application Materials
- 500-word statement about why you want to be a Baucus Leader at the 2026 Big Barn Dialogues
- Resume
- Academic transcript (can be unofficial)
- Letter of Recommendation. NOTE: We recommend contacting your letter-write early in the process so that they have time to complete this by the deadline.
Applications are due Friday, January 23, 2026 at 11:59pm (end of day) MST.
Please contact us at hello@baucusinstitute.org with any questions you have about the program. We look forward to reviewing your application.