Milken Scholars

Michael and Lori Milken founded the Milken Scholars in 1989 to honor exceptional young people who have demonstrated the potential to make a profound difference in the world. Scholars are chosen while high school seniors on the basis of distinguished academic performance, school and community service, leadership, and evidence of having overcome personal and social obstacles. Milken Scholars receive financial assistance plus a strong support system that lasts over time.

The Milken Scholars Program is a joint initiative of the Milken Family Foundation and the Milken Institute.


SCHOLARS IN ACTION: 2016 Milken Scholar Amanda Gorman stole the show at President Joe Biden's inauguration when she recited "The Hill We Climb" for attendees in D.C. and viewers around the world. The youngest Inaugural Poet Laureate in U.S. history. "When I learned I was a Milken Scholar, it was this weird moment when dream meets reality," Amanda told the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream. "Milken Scholars have my back....We're all committed to each other's success."

For more information, visit Milken Scholars