Milken Scholars was founded in 1989 by Lori and Michael Milken to honor exceptional young men and women based on their academic performance, community service, leadership activities and triumphs over obstacles. By identifying these extraordinarily talented youth and then providing resources and networks to them, so they can help themselves and those around them, the program aims to support Milken Scholars during their academic and professional careers.
As of 2011, 284 Milken Scholars have been selected from more than 100 high schools in Los Angeles County, New York City and Washington, D.C. Representing a variety of ages, ethnic backgrounds, academic and professional interests, they are attending and graduating from the top colleges and universities in the country.
Milken Scholars receive financial assistance during their undergraduate careers. Yet, what makes the program truly unique is the vast array of resources provided to scholarship recipients. Being a Milken Scholar means joining an extended family and building relationships with Foundation staff and other Scholars who provide a strong support system that lasts over time. For example, Milken Scholars receive ongoing career-related counseling, assistance in securing internships, opportunities for volunteer community service, and a fund to assist with the transition from college to graduate school or the world of work.
Throughout their college careers, Scholars are in regular communication with the Foundation and each other through telephone calls and email. They meet with Foundation staff and mentors during campus visits and special events, including an annual Summit that provides guidance and insights through speakers, panels and activities to prepare Scholars for choices in their personal, academic and professional lives. These resources create a setting that propels these exceptional youth into the position where they can achieve their academic and professional goals and, in the process, make a profound difference in the world around them.
| Today, with 284 Milken Scholars living, learning and working in many diverse communities, the Milken Scholars Program promotes and supports young people as they acquire the skills necessary to make the difficult transitions from high school to college and from college to graduate school or the world of work. One of the most important elements of the Program is the formation of a community of Milken Scholars who support and learn from one another. In addition to the financial support provided by the Foundation to students during their undergraduate years, the Milken Scholars Program consists of the following components: | ||
 The annual Recognition Dinner held in Los Angeles is an opportunity to welcome new participants into the Milken Scholars Program, and to share and celebrate the experiences of the returning Scholars. The dinner recognizes the work and achievement of each new Scholar and acknowledges the family, friends and supporters who help make their success possible.
Working with the staff of the Milken Family Foundation and with a range of talented facilitators, the annual Milken Scholars Summit provides a forum for Scholars to discuss issues critical to their success at America’s most prestigious universities and in their careers. More importantly, the Summit provides an opportunity for Scholars to form and renew friendships, reflect on their personal growth and exchange ideas and aspirations.
The Milken Scholars are characterized not only by their academic achievements but also by service to their local and school communities. While at school they volunteer their time through campus organizations, and during school holidays they volunteer in their home communities. As a group, the Scholars have engaged in a variety of service activities including preparing and serving meals to the homeless; packaging holiday gift bags for homebound AIDS patients; assisting in the renovation of low-income housing; and conducting phone-a-thons to raise funds for disadvantaged children. In participating in community service activities, Scholars make a difference in the lives of others and have an opportunity to encounter and address complex social issues. |  |  Among the most crucial insights a college student can gain as he or she attempts to narrow career choices is an understanding of the available professional options. During internships Scholars work side-by-side with professionals in their fields of interest. These new challenges and experiences provide the Scholars with opportunities to reshape their goals, refine their existing skills and increase their self-confidence, thereby preparing them to compete in today’s job market. During the Scholars’ search for internships, Program staff offers assistance to Scholars with identifying appropriate internship opportunities, preparing resumes, letters of introduction, applications and other supporting materials. By providing this and other assistance, the Program tries to ensure that the Scholars have every opportunity to prepare themselves for the transition from undergraduate work to professional careers.
The Foundation staff members who work on the Milken Scholars Program communicate regularly with each of the Scholars to assist them with a variety of academic and career issues. Staff members periodically visit the Scholars in their college communities in order to bring them together to share experiences and participate in social and cultural activities. The type of guidance provided by the staff and other Scholars can be particularly important since most Scholars are first-generation college students.
The Program provides each Scholar with a fund to help pay for expenses associated with graduate school applications, the job interview process, unpaid internships, study abroad programs and other opportunities related to the pursuit of career goals. Scholars can apply for these funds during their undergraduate careers or can draw upon them in later years. |
With the help of college advisors at high schools in the Los Angeles area and New York City, the Milken Scholars Program identifies outstanding students who will graduate by June of 2012. These students are nominated for the Program based on the following criteria:
- Minimum grade point average of 3.6 (unweighted) or 90% in all academic high school subject areas;
- Minimum composite SAT I Reasoning score of 1850 with results submitted for Critical Reading, Math, and Writing, or a minimum ACT score of 28;
- Active participation in community service activities;
- A record of leadership;
- Financial need;
- Admission to a four-year college or university prior to final selection; and
- United States Citizenship or Permanent Residency.
Students nominated by their college advisors to participate in the Program must complete a rigorous selection process that includes completion of a five-page application, as well as submission of letters of recommendation, high school transcripts and a financial aid profile. Finalists are then selected and invited to interview.
Milken Scholars are eligible to receive a range of resources that includes:
- An annual monetary recognition award of $2,000 for each of their four years of college;
- Ongoing academic and career-related counseling;
- Assistance with career-related experiences through internships and shadowing opportunities; and
- A graduate fund, which assists students as they prepare for the world of work or graduate school.
| November 30, 2011 | Nomination period opens |
| January 20, 2012 | Deadline for nominations |
| January 24, 2012 | Application Invitation emailed to nominees |
| February 24, 2012 | Postmark and online submission deadline for Los Angeles applications |
| March 1, 2012 | Postmark and online submission deadline for New York applications |
| April 4-6, 2012 | Finalists selected |
| May 21 - 25, 2012 | Los Angeles Interviews conducted |
| May 30 & 31, 2012 | New York Interviews conducted |
| June 4 - 8, 2012 | New Milken Scholars notified |
LINK
Deadline: January 20, 2012
