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We are excited and here is why: just look at the world map on page 3 of this report. As you’ll see, our Institute is helping students “see, serve, and lead” around the world with opportunities in Singapore, Paris, Shanghai, and Washington, D.C, just to name a few. None of this would be possible without generous support from the Ford Foundation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Sloan Foundation, the Rieschel Foundation, the Walt Disney Company, ConocoPhillips, Apple, and the many friends who made individual contributions. Our endowment from the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation continues to support our Baucus Leaders in Washington, D.C., each summer.

We’re not a think tank. We aim to get Montana university students, both undergraduate and graduate, out of their comfort zone. The purpose is to inspire these young people to pursue a life of public service. How? By sending them overseas to study abroad or to work on impactful projects both in Montana and globally. We’re proud that many of our students come from rural Montana—ranch kids, Native American students (we call them “kids” affectionately, though they’re young adults). These students come back on fire! They’ve learned so much and are ready to take on the world. Think of us as a trailhead for public service: we break down barriers, create opportunities, and set our future leaders onto a path of public service.

Where Do We Go From Here?

We are seeing historically low levels of trust in our public institutions. I (Max) spent 35 years in the U.S. Senate and I’ve never seen it this bad, even during the Watergate years. We must invest more in breaking down barriers between red and blue communities and in teaching young people how to work together and feel inspired by public service. Often, Mel and I will come across new opportunities for Montana students and ask: Will you take an intern in your Senate office? Can we send two Montanans to intern at Shanghai Disneyland? Can our students meet with the director of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange? Can we send two students to study climate issues in Singapore? Our generous partners often say yes and provide our students opportunities usually available only to Ivy League students. Many of our students describe these experiences as “life changing” and have a new perspective on the value of public service.

Looking Ahead

This year, we plan to serve 100 students, including 40 in China. Our Climate Scholars program will continue to grow. We are working to build a $15 million endowment to ensure we can serve 100 students annually for generations to come.

As you read this Annual Report, please know you are invited to join in this effort. We’re always looking for mentors, partner organizations, and of course new donors as well.

We hope you’ll join us.

— Max and Mel

A letter from Max and Mel

2024 BY THE NUMBERS

Baucus Leaders DC

Baucus Climate Scholars

Locations include Shanghai, Singapore, Paris, Maine, Washington DC and Big Sky, Montana

15 81

Baucus Leaders MT

Locations include Missoula, Helena, Billings

Big Barn Fellows

China Study Abroad (all scholarships)

Ireland Study Abroad

THAT IS A FROM 2023. INCREASE

27%

Since 2016, we have sent 410 students to study abroad, or internship opportunities.

BAUCUS LEADERS ACROSS THE WORLD

MONTANA

I witnessed justice unfold in real-time through significant and impactful cases. This transformative experience was only possible because of the Baucus Institute, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity.

Dennis Stock

US Attorney’s Office in Montana

It’s been really inspiring to see what I could be doing in the future after I get my degree. With this program I’ve really been able to exercise what I’m passionate about. That’s been really empowering and gratifying.

Damaris Addy

Montana Nonprofit Association

My gratitude for the Baucus Institute is difficult to measure. As a Native student, I have sought out resources that support Indigenous revitalization. This collaboration with NADC aligned perfectly with my goals of uplifting Indigenous leaders and being of service to my community.

Kennedy Skinner

Billings Native American Development Corporation (NADC)

BERKELEY CA

I’m really thankful to the Baucus Institute for the chance to step out of my comfort zone.

It’s been really rewarding to get more experience in something that was new and also closely tied to all the work I’ve already done.

Amishi Singh

California China

Climate InstituteBerkeley

IRELAND

I felt welcomed and a part of the IEA's Office of Legal Counsel, rather than just the intern.

I was able to contribute to multiple projects and was lucky enough to be included in two publications as a contributor. It is an amazing opportunity for Montana Law students!

WASHINGTON

It was truly a life-changing experience. From day one, I felt welcomed and supported.

Working in DC was inspiring and rewarding and provided me with insights that will be invaluable for my future career.

Thank you for providing this amazing chance to grow.

Paige

Mickelson

Senator Tester (D-MT)

CHINA

I learned more on that trip than I ever thought I would, ranging from language and culture to means of production and sustainability in China.

Since returning, I have continued trying to learn Mandarin and kept contact with the connections made over the course of the trip!

BEIJING

HONG KONG

SINGAPORE

I was giving opportunities that I didn’t think were ever possible.

These experiences were truly life-changing and gave me new motivation and inspiration to continue a career in public service!

Jackson Mundell TNC - Singapore

Lukas Kosel

Tristyn Page International Energy Association

THE TRAILHEAD TO PUBLIC SERVICE

The Max Baucus Institute empowers students to overcome barriers such as financial burdens, lack of confidence, and limited networking opportunities, providing them with the resources, mentorship, and support necessary to become lifelong advocates for public service.

BAUCUS LEADERSDC

CL IMATE SCHOLARS

BAUCUS LEADERS MT CHINASTUDY ABROAD

LIFE IN PUB LIC SERVICE

I felt like a partner working together to create the most positive change we could. While learning to draft sustainable procurement agreements, I saw great energy and enthusiasm in the local business communities for this work. This insight gave me the final push I needed to take the leap and start a sustainability consulting business of my own after graduation.

Garrett Wright Big Sky Sustainability Network - Big Sky MT

This program allowed me to see a part of public policymaking that I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise. It has given me the opportunity to explore meaningful opportunities and paths where I can be involved in helping shape our future.

Hudson Pullen

Senator Bennet (D-CO)

I had an excellent time interning for Senator Schumer. I met many wonderful people, learned so much about public service, and enjoyed living the city life for a while. I think I will plan to look for a job in DC following graduation!

Estrella Pallis-Bonadurer

Senator Schumer (D-NY)

Since 2018, we’ve hosted the

STOCKMAN BANK

SPEAKER SERIES

Engaging Montana students to bridge divides and foster civil discourse on critical issues.

2,226 ATTENDEES

6

EVENTS

Al Gore Rahm Emmanuel

John Kerry

COLLABORATING FOR NATIVE AMERICAN AND RURAL STUDENT SUCCESS

Thanks to a generous grant from the Gates Foundation, we funded the construction of a new Native American Student Center at the Alexander Blewett III School of Law at the University of Montana.

This center aims to support Native American students by fostering a sense of belonging and security.

Highlights:

Includes a designated area for students with children. This family-friendly space offers children opportunities to read, play games, and draw on whiteboards, enhancing the welcoming atmosphere.

All the tribes in the state are represented through artwork in the space.

Max Baucus Institute: Increasing Access for Native and Rural Students WATCH OUR VIDEO

CHINA STUDY ABROAD

Most Americans, including our leaders in Washington, don’t fully understand the “China Challenge.” But as the divide between us grows, so do the misperceptions. Ignorance breeds fear. We believe more Americans, regardless of their interests or backgrounds, need to experience China firsthand.

Currently, about 250,000 Chinese students attend U.S. universities, but fewer than 1,000 American university students study abroad in China.

It’s critical for young Americans to visit China—to see it, taste it, smell it. Travel around the country. Eat stinky tofu. Each of our students returns home more equipped to lead as we face the tough challenges of the 21st Century.

2017

Max Baucus and Mel Hanes return to Montana and establish the Max S. Baucus Institute at the University of Montana’s School of Law.

The first 5 Baucus Leaders go to Washington! The Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation generously supports the program with a $1 million endowed gift.

2021

The first Baucus Leaders MT and Baucus Climate Scholars begin paid summer internships. Ireland study abroad is planned (launch in 2022).

SUPPORT OUR MISSION

We are working to build a $15 million endowment to ensure we can serve:

100 STUDENTS ANNUALLY for generations to come

Scan the code or visit our website to learn how you can donate today! CONTRIBUTE TODAY

The Institute becomes a 501(c)(3) with Main St. offices in Bozeman in addition to UM. The Institute opens Climate Scholars and Baucus Leaders programs to students at any university or college in Montana.