2025 Milken Scholars Summit

Published 08/04/2025 in Program Updates

Written 08/04/2025

Since the Milken Scholars Program’s inception in 1989, Mike and Lori Milken have supported nearly 600 young people, who throughout the years, have risen to the top of their fields toward a flourishing future. What started with 16 Scholars in Harlem, has now grown to encompass a community that represents over 80 countries and more than 200 high schools from Los Angeles County, New York City and Washington, D.C. As of 2014, the Milken Scholars Program became a joint initiative of the Milken Family Foundation and the Milken Institute.

The Class of 2025, comprised of 20 new recipients, joined over 120 Scholars and Staff at this year’s Annual Summit hosted at Mount St. Mary’s University, Chalon Campus from July 24-27. The Annual Summit gave these newly minted Scholars a glimpse into what to prepare for when they settle into their college dorms. Throughout the week, Scholars and Alumni formed new connections with one another, which will follow them as they disperse back to their universities and homes across the world.

This year, the Summit theme "Toward a Flourishing Future," reflected the Milken Institute’s theme for the 2025 Global Conference.

Guest speakers shared their journeys through the realms of finance, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and beyond—stories fueled by passion, perseverance, and purpose. Their words ignited a spark for all to pave their own paths where their talent, time, and treasures can make the most positive impact. These carefully tailored sessions included:

Setting Up for Success: Mental Health & Wellness Care in College & Beyond – Dr. Mabel Bongmba, Adult Psychiatrist and MS ’97, in conversation with Erin Raftery Ryan, CEO, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Reaching for the Stars: From Space Exploration to Tech’s Flourishing Future – Anousheh Ansari, CEO, XPrize, in conversation with Richard Sandler, Executive Vice President, Milken Family Foundation

Flourishing as Impactful Leaders Across Different Spaces: Becoming involved with Nonprofit Boards – Simone Joy Friedman, Head of Philanthropy, EJF Philanthropies

Late Night: Standup Comedy – Dr. Seema Yasmin, Director, Stanford Health Communication Initiative

Mike Milken on Taking the Next Step Toward a Flourishing Future

Building Communities for All Toward a Flourishing Future – Casey Noel, Vice President, OPEN Impact Real Estate and MS ’97, in conversation with Martin Muoto, Founder & CEO, SOLA Impact

Alumni return to Summit as guest speakers, mentors, and field experts ready to offer career advice, lead panel discussions, and run breakout sessions to help younger Scholars and Alumni gear up for the next step in their personal and professional development. They covered topics on how to select the right grad school, financial planning for the future, navigating professional etiquette, and building positive habits for one’s mental and physical health, amongst others.

One of the highlights from the week was the Alumni Induction for the Class of 2021, where recent graduates were honored for their accomplishments. Seasoned Alumni shared words of advice and how this lifelong program continues to be of service to them well beyond their undergraduate years.

Over the four days, whether reflecting on their role to make society a better place or running across campus to win a scavenger hunt, Scholars grew closer and left well-equipped to lean on one another as they endeavor towards their dreams and work hard to make a better future for all communities.

In addition to the Summit, this summer at Recognition Ceremonies across the country, twenty new Scholars were celebrated, and along with their families, were recognized for their achievements. Pictures from the 2025 Summit and Recognition Ceremonies hosted in Washington D.C., New York City, and Los Angeles can be found here.