The Milken Scholars Program is committed to being a community of Lifelong Leaders for a Better World. With this in mind, Program founder Mike Milken created the Travel Stipend in 2012 to further support Scholars as they research the most pressing issues in their fields, with a global perspective.
View
This past winter, I had the extraordinary opportunity to visit Finland, a trip that deepened my understanding of climate change, indigenous knowledge, and Arctic ecosystems. My journey was inspired by discussions at the Milken Institute’s 2024 Global Conference, where experts emphasized the Arctic as ground zero for climate change.
View
Wealth inequality in Pakistan is not merely an economic statistic—it is a stark reality that shapes the daily lives of millions. The gap between the wealthy elite and the struggling lower classes is not just wide; it is deeply entrenched, manifesting in every aspect of life, from access to quality healthcare and education to housing, transportation, and job opportunities.
View
Prior to med school, I dedicated two years to health promotion and education in underserved communities. I worked with a non-profit to support outreach and harm reduction efforts targeting women living with HIV, grant writing and co-leading maternal health classes at a public health clinic, and volunteered as a health assistant in rural Belize. This was a welcomed change of pace after spending countless hours in laboratories as a student at UC Berkeley!
View
Oh, London! Growing up as a New Yorker, I’ve always heard much chatter and lore about London. It’s a frequently visited travel destination, especially for East Coasters, due to its convenience, efficient public transportation, and shared cultural elements like language and cuisine. However, beyond the surface-level similarities, I sought to explore London’s deeper economic, architectural, and cultural nuances that distinguish it from my hometown.
View
This year, I have the honor and privilege of living in Madrid while I teach English at a local primary school. It has been an incredible experience so far, and I have been exploring many of the different enclaves and corners of this city while here.
View
Nigeria is the most populated nation in Africa. It is divided into different sectors by region, language, and culture.
View
“Even a rickshaw puller’s child will dream of being the Prime Minister in our free country,” read one of the street murals. As I passed Dhaka University’s campus, this slogan on the wall brought back memories of the Bangladesh 2024 July Revolution. The movement lasted over a month, eventually dismantling the autocratic Awami League government in power for the last 15 years. I happened to watch the whole of the revolution unfold in front of my eyes.
View
Milken Scholars represent over 70 countries worldwide, but for the holidays many of them are back in their hometowns of Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington, D.C.
View
In Milan, during the bustle of Fashion Week, I witnessed a moment that perfectly encap- sulated the power of appearance as a form of self-expression and confidence. A woman, dressed in a casual yet professional ensemble, walked past with an effortless air of self- assurance. Her outfit was understated but precise: a yellow jacket that drew attention not with loudness, but with its role as a harmonious accent. It wasn’t just the outfit that commanded admiration—it was her entire appearance.
View
I traveled to Hong Kong and South Korea, two of Asia’s most technologically advanced regions, to broaden my understanding of AI governance and technology ethics. The experience showed me how these societies integrate AI into daily life, balance innovation with ethical considerations, and address the complicated interplay between privacy, security, and cultural values.
View
Since the post-war era, there has been a steady institutionalization of memory culture that revolves around the collective memory of the Holocaust. This historical narrative bleeds into domestic and foreign political policies/institutions, such as Germany’s foreign relations policy in Kosovo and with Israel.
View