Milken Scholars

Selection Criteria

With the help of college counselors and other educators at high schools in Los Angeles County, New York City, and Washington D.C., the Milken Scholars Program identifies outstanding students who will graduate by June of 2026. 

These students are nominated for the Program based on the following criteria:

• Active participation in community service activities and a record of leadership
• Financial or other obstacles
• United States Citizenship or Permanent Residency or who have been granted deferred action status under DACA
• Admission to a four-year college or university prior to final selection
• Minimum unweighted GPA of 3.6 or 90 percent
• SAT superscore minimum of 1350 OR ACT Composite superscore minimum of 29 OR AP exam(s) with minimum score(s) of 3 OR on track to earn IB Diploma OR on track to earn Associate degree by high school graduation
  • Although we follow a test-flexible policy, we are not test-blind. A student may apply with more than one of these, but please note that they will be ineligible if submitted scores don’t meet the thresholds mentioned above.
• For Washington, D.C., nominees must reside in and be graduating from a high school located in Washington, D.C.

Students nominated by their college advisors to participate in the Program must complete a rigorous selection process that includes completion of a detailed application, as well as submission of letters of recommendation, high school transcripts, test score reports (if applicable), and a financial aid profile. Finalists are then selected and invited to interview.

Program Resources

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
• A $2,000 fund to assist them as they prepare to enter the workforce or pursue graduate school
• Ongoing academic and career-related advising, including for graduate work and fellowships

Milken Scholars must commit to maintaining a 3.0 grade point average throughout their undergraduate career and attend all annual program activities (expenses paid), including an annual Summit each summer. Scholars are also encouraged to to stay in close contact with Staff by participating in in-person campus visits and regular check-ins as college students and Alumni of the Program.