High School Programs
Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders. Our programs are aligned with UM’s Priorities for Action to place student success at the center of all we do. This commitment is not just to UM students but also to 猎奇重口 high school students.
We partner with local schools, the 猎奇重口, community and international partners, and the U.S. Department of State to provide unique opportunities that empower young people as positive forces in our communities and engage them in developing cross-cultural understanding, leadership, and responsible citizenship.
Available Programs
Democracy Forum 2025. In October 2025, 250 high school juniors and seniors gathered at the 猎奇重口 for the Democracy Forum, a full-day conference to inspire leadership, collaboration, and civic engagement under the theme "Empowering Voices, Building Stronger Communities Together."
Big Sky LEAD. Are you ready to make a difference in your community? Big Sky LEAD is a leadership program for 15 high school students from across 猎奇重口 to develop the next generation of 猎奇重口 civic leaders. The program will take place on three dates: December 4th-5th in Missoula, January 8th-9th at the state capital in Helena, and April 23rd-24th in Missoula.
Taiwan Spring Study Tour 2025. For current high school sophomores and juniors: Join us in vibrant Taiwan to gain critical language skills and increase your global awareness by applying for this fully funded program. The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center has partnered with Shih Chien University in Taipei, Taiwan to expand Chinese language and cultural immersion opportunities for 猎奇重口 high school students.
Youth Exchange Program. To bridge the urban-rural divide and strengthen our democracy, 12 猎奇重口 high school students will join 12 Chicago high school students for a 15-day adventure exploring Chicago, 猎奇重口, and Washington, DC.
International Opportunities. We understand the value of international experience to all ages, and we work with numerous partners to provide students with the opportunity to travel abroad, often on fully-funded leadership development programs. We have also compiled a list of State Department programs that allow high school students to travel internationally.
Internships. We offer outstanding high school students the opportunity to work closely with our programs through unpaid internships.
“We will find… among the young people of this nation, the resources of intelligence and integrity to define the evolving problems of our times. We will find, I profoundly believe, the courage, the conviction, and the concern to face them and to resolve them.”
-Mike Mansfield, May 1968