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Students Who Rise to the Occasion Get Rewarded!
By Brian Murphy
February 2002

The CollegeBound Network NewsClick -- The desire to make a difference in communities throughout the world can give you a great feeling, especially if you're doing it without monetary compensation. It may even seem ironic that you'd be publicly recognized and financially rewarded for doing the right thing, wouldn't it?

That's the feeling students have had over the years as recipients of the Milken Scholars Program, which offers financial resources for outstanding students, as well as career-related counseling and internships, opportunities for volunteering, and more. Established by Michael Milken 13 years ago 16 high school seniors from Harlem, NY, were the first ones to receive college cash assistance. Since then, the group has grown to over 165 Milken Scholars nationwide.

"The aid doesn't end with the signing of a check," says Christopher Crain, senior vice president/operations and general council for the Foundation. He insists that the program was designed to push recipients to their maximum potential by providing not only financial aid, but assistance with all aspects of education. Plus, the committee members stay in constant contact with recipients.

"The Foundation has an incredibly high rate of success," Crain boasts. "Most students advance to graduate school and go on to [secure] great positions."

Not just anyone can walk away as a recipient, though. According to Crain, there is a very thorough and rigorous process involved -- definitely not for the 'in-a-hurry' type. The program receives 400 to 500 applications each year, of which approximately 50 outstanding nominees are selected for interviews. The next-stage selection process takes place when the committee's 15 to 20 elite finalists are accepted into the scholars program.

If you think you've got what it takes to join the scholastic ranks, find out more. The lifelong friendship, mentoring, and financial assistance could be yours!