Brunson Smith wins $5,000 Sawtooth Leadership Academy scholarship
Mountain States Policy Center has named Brunson Smith the 2026 winner of its Sawtooth Leadership Academy scholarship, recognizing his research on protecting children using artificial intelligence companion platforms.
Smith received the $5,000 Tim Hennessey & Holly Harrison First Place Scholarship. His selection was announced at MSPC’s Fall Dinner & Anniversary Gala in Coeur d’Alene on October 24.
His winning paper, “Closing the Age Loophole: How Idaho Should Protect Children from AI Companions,” examines gaps in protections for minors when companies do not determine whether their users are children. Smith recommends privacy-preserving age assurance, safeguards for users who may be minors and an appeals process for adults incorrectly classified as children.
“Brunson took on a challenging issue and developed thoughtful recommendations grounded in research,” said Chris Cargill, president and CEO of Mountain States Policy Center. “His work demonstrates what the Sawtooth Leadership Academy is designed to accomplish: helping young people think critically, communicate clearly and contribute meaningful ideas to public policy debates.”
More than 3,000 votes were cast in this year’s scholarship competition. The five finalists researched artificial intelligence, agricultural overtime, water management, public lands and government spending limits.
The Sawtooth Leadership Academy is a no-cost program for high school and college students in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Eastern Washington. Participants explore free markets, civics and civility through six online courses featuring regional political and business leaders, policy research and opportunities for public engagement.
Student papers are published by MSPC, with public voting helping its Board of Directors determine the scholarship winner. The papers reflect the views of their student authors and do not constitute MSPC endorsements.
Learn more about the program at mountainstatespolicy.org/sawtoothleadershipacademy.
About Mountain States Policy CenterMountain States Policy Center is an independent, nonprofit, free-market research and education organization serving Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Washington. MSPC advances individual liberty, free enterprise and limited government through research, public education and community engagement. Visit mountainstatespolicy.org.
