Gates Millennium Scholars Program

Annual Report

Excerpt

Advancing Education While Building Character

Since 1999, the Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) Program has promoted academic excellence and changed the lives of more than 15,000 talented students by awarding almost $614 million in scholarships to help them earn undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees.

GMS annually selects 1,000 African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American and Hispanic American students who demonstrate high academic ability, leadership potential and significant financial need. We offer each of them the personal, academic and financial support that allows these students to attend the college or university of their choice and reach their full potential.

But the impact of the GMS Program extends beyond academic achievement: Gates Scholars and Alumni also make positive contributions to their communities or to philanthropic causes that benefit society.

Discovering Potential, Inspiring Achievement

For highly capable students who have the propensity for leadership and service, GMS offers opportunities and resources that would not otherwise have been available to them.

Eligible students nationwide are welcome to apply for the GMS Program. In 2011, 98 percent of Scholars completed their applications online. For initial scholar selection, applications are assessed for student achievements in academics, leadership potential and service to the community. We include community service in our criteria because we’ve found that young adults who volunteer for service often continue their commitment and contributions to society long after they leave college.