2024 Milken Scholars Summit: Shaping a Shared Future

Published 08/12/2024 in Program Updates

Written 08/12/2024

2024 marks the Milken Scholars Program’s 35th anniversary since it was founded by Mike and Lori Milken in 1989. The Milken Scholars Program has grown from its original 16 Scholars from the A. Philip Randolph High School in Harlem, New York to a family of over 575 Scholars, representing over 80 countries and selected from more than 200 high schools across 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 2024, comprised of 16 new Scholars, joined over 100 Scholars and Staff at this year’s Annual Summit hosted at Mount St. Mary’s University, Chalon Campus from July 25-28. The Annual Summit unites Scholars currently studying and working across the world in Los Angeles for three transformative days of reflection, inspiration, and heartfelt connections. This year, the Summit theme "Shaping a Shared Future," reflected the Milken Institute’s theme for the 2024 Global Conference.

Guest speakers shared their unique academic, career, and personal journeys, spanning across finance, entertainment, entrepreneurship, and more! Not only did these inspiring professionals provide valuable insights, they also offered to stay connected with Scholars, eager to support them as they explore their own career paths. Sessions included:

The Role of Entertainment in Shaping a Shared Future - Sandy Climan, CEO, Founder, and Award-Winning Producer

Mike Milken on Shaping a Shared Future

Female Leaders Shaping a Shared Future - Carmen Vargas, Managing Director, Barclays

Empowering Diverse Voices to Shape a Shared Future - Richard Sandler, Executive Vice President, Milken Family Foundation; Marcos Gonzalez, Founder & Managing Partner, Vamos Ventures

In continuing the Program’s tradition of giving back, more than 50 Milken Alumni Scholars attended to mentor younger Scholars, share career advice, and lead panel discussions, breakout sessions, and 1-on-1 mock interviews and resume reviews. Some of the session topics included: Deciding on Graduate Studies, Financial Planning to Better Shape Your Future, Navigating Pivots in Academic and Career Areas of Interest, Removing Barriers for Your Medical School and Residency Applications, Leaving a Legacy at College and Beyond, and Exercises for Community & Confidence Building.

A special Alumni Induction was held for graduates from the Milken Scholar Class of 2020. Although this Class met virtually during a global pandemic, they developed a strong union among the cohort and tears were shared as Alumni officially welcomed the graduating Scholars into this new stage as Alumni Scholars. Throughout the four days, whether it was working together to complete a scavenger hunt or asking pressing questions during speakers’ Q&A sessions, Scholars deepened their support for one another and their commitment to shaping a shared future for all communities. 
 
The Summit provided a warm welcome to the 2024 Scholars and introduced them to ways Scholars exemplify the Program’s pillars of scholarship, leadership, community service, and character. At Recognition Ceremonies across the country, these 16 new Scholars were celebrated, and along with their families, were recognized for their achievements. Pictures from the Summit and Recognition Ceremonies hosted in Washington D.C., New York City, and Los Angeles can be found here.  Thank you to all the Alumni, Scholars, Guest Speakers, and Friends of the Program for partnering with Program Leadership throughout the past 35 years to form the Milken Scholars Family’s unique culture of community and support.  We look forward to our continued connection across the 2024-2025 school year!