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.