Baucus Leaders DC

Note: due to popular demand, the application deadline for Summer 2024 has been extended to December 18, 2023! 

The Baucus Leaders DC program is directly inspired by Max Baucus' 36 years of service as a U.S. Senator for Montana. Every summer we place exceptional undergraduate and graduate students in internships at senate and congressional offices in Washington D.C. 

Since 2018, Baucus Leaders have worked for 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) and the United States Senate Finance Committee, among others. 

Each internship starts on or around June 1 and ends on or around August 1. Baucus Leaders will be given a $5,000 stipend to defray the costs of airfare to and from Washington, D.C., housing, and food during the two-month internship. Additional funds are available for enrolled tribal members through the support of our generous donors. 

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Qualifications

The Baucus Leaders DC program is open to all current undergrad and graduate students at Montana-based colleges and universities. This includes Montana Tribal Colleges, University of Montana, and Montana State University. Leaders are selected based on academic performance, commitment to public service, and interest in the political process. Leaders much be in good academic standing and enrolled as full-time students during the spring semester before their internship. Students from BIPOC, LGBTQ+2S, and under-resourced communities are highly encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Applications for Summer 2024 are now open! Due date is December 18, 2023. Our application process is an online form through Submittable. 

A complete application includes the following:

  • A current resume with contact information (email and phone number).
  • An academic transcript showing grades through the most recent semester for which final grades are available. Graduate students should also send a transcript for their undergraduate studies. Transcripts can be unofficial. 
  • An essay of no more than 500 words about why you want to be a Baucus Leader, your commitment to/interest in public service, and how you believe you will contribute to the program and to the office where you will intern.
  • One letter of recommendation from a person who can speak with personal knowledge about your character and commitment to public service. These letters can come in through the Submittable application, or be emailed directly to mel.brittnerwells@umontana.edu. 

*Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Institute will select two-to-three finalists for each internship. Finalists will be notified by email of their selection in  February. 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.

NOTEBaucus Leader selections may extend to the end of Spring semester 2024. 

Further Information

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!