With the help of college advisors at high schools in the Los Angeles area, the Milken Scholars Program identifies outstanding students who will graduate by June of 2010. 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. Semi-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.