The 2020 Milken Scholars Summit in its virtual format!

Published 08/19/2020 in Program Updates

Written by Torres, Evelyn | 08/19/2020

Founded in 1989 by Mike and Lori Milken, the Milken Scholars Program began with a group of 16 Scholars from the A. Philip Randolph High School in Harlem, New York and it has now become a family of 502 Scholars from over 200 high schools across Los Angeles County, New York City and Washington, D.C.

Embodying the Program’s pillars of scholarship, leadership, community service, and character, 19 new Scholars were welcomed by over 200 Scholars and Staff at this year’s Annual Summit.  The 2020 Scholars formed part of the group of 216 current Scholars and Alumni Scholars that came together for our one-of-a-kind 2020 Milken Scholars Summit.  The Summit is our annual flagship event that brings Scholars together for three days of reflection, connection and engagement.  This year’s event was 100% virtual, composed of live sessions and a series of recorded sessions with guest speakers, that spanned from July 24-August 1.  The theme for this year’s Summit, Bridging to the Future, allowed Scholars to engage in discussions around the current health and economic crises and the call for social justice. 

The Scholar-led Summit featured 72 Scholars as panelists, speakers and session moderators, highlighting their stories as they shared personal and professional experiences and resources with those in attendance.  Additional guest speakers included:

• Bridging to the Future of Healthcare
  Dr. Garth Graham, M.D., MPH, FACP, FACC. Vice President, Community Health and Chief Community Health Officer, CVS Health

• The Role of Mentorships From College into the Future
  Dr. Tanisha Carino, Executive Vice President, Chief Corporate Affairs, Alexion

• Venture Capital and Careers in the Industry
  Gregory Milken, Co-founder and Managing Partner, March Capital Partners

• Engaging Youth in Conversations on Social Justice
  Principal Baruti Kafele, Author and Urban Public School Educator

• Starting your Business in College & Transitioning into your Career
  Alex Wirth, Cofounder & CEO Quorum

• Supportive Networks for Continued Personal and Professional Success
  Deepika Sharma, Director of Legal Services, Mental Health Advocacy Services

• Access to Education in Current Times: Success, Achievement and the Power to Create Change
  Dr. Kevin Escudero, Assistant Professor of American Studies and Ethnic Studies, Brown University

Alumni Scholars led evening bonding activities including online Trivia.  Scholars were able to build new relationships and strengthen those that begin when Scholars join the Program and extend over time.  Together, we wish our current Scholars the best of luck as they start a new year of college, and look forward to connecting again during our virtual campus visits this fall.