Lowell Milken, a pioneering philanthropist and business leader, was born into a family that instilled in him the values of hard work, innovation, and excellence. These formative experiences shaped his lifelong mission to unlock the full potential of human capability. Graduating Phi Beta Kappa and summa cum laude from UC Berkeley and later earning his law degree from UCLA with academic honors, Lowell’s commitment to excellence has always been a hallmark of his journey.
Lowell’s contributions to education are genuinely transformative. In 1985, he founded the Milken Educator Awards, which has since recognized and empowered over 3,000 exceptional teachers across the United States. The initiative embodies his belief in education as a catalyst for positive change. Building on this foundation, he established the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET), whose groundbreaking initiatives — such as the TAP System for Teacher and Student Advancement — have elevated teacher effectiveness and student success, impacting millions nationwide.
Lowell’s direct involvement extends beyond these achievements. He has personally established and nurtured ten diverse philanthropic initiatives across Education, Art and Culture, Innovation, and Social Capital. For example, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes works with K-12 students and educators globally to uncover and share the stories of individuals who have profoundly shaped history, inspiring others to do the same. Lowell’s hands-on philanthropic approach ensures that every initiative he creates is not only scalable but also impactful at the deepest level.
Lowell’s story is one of dedication — driven by a passion for innovation, excellence, and the belief in unleashing human potential. His life's work stands as a testament to the difference an individual can make when committed to genuine, transformative change.
LAYING THE GROUNDWORK
Formative Years
Born to parents Bernard and Ferne Milken on November 29th, 1948, Lowell grew up in Encino, and is a product of California’s public schools from primary through graduate school.
ACADEMIC FOUNDATIONS
Excellence in College and Law School
Lowell Milken earned a bachelor’s degree with highest honors from UC Berkeley, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He continued to excel at UCLA School of Law, earning his Juris Doctor degree and serving on the UCLA Law Review.
BUILDING A VISION
Early Career and Foundations of Leadership
In the early stages of his career, Lowell began working in finance, focusing on innovative approaches to high-yield investment strategies. This period also marked the development of his leadership skills and his growing interest in the potential for private enterprise and strategic thinking to drive meaningful change.
EMPOWERING CHANGE
Innovator in Business and Philanthropy
During this period, Lowell’s career reached new heights, as he became a leader in high-yield investments, reshaping the financial landscape. At the same time, he co-founded the Milken Family Foundation, initiating programs to enhance education, medical research, and public health. His dual focus on business innovation and philanthropy demonstrated his commitment to empowering individuals and communities.
SHAPING THE FUTURE
Championing Human Capital and Global Impact
Lowell has expanded his philanthropic vision on a global scale, addressing critical challenges in education, health, and culture. Through his 10 groundbreaking diverse initiatives, like NIET , he continues to champion human potential, fostering systemic change and inspiring innovation to improve lives worldwide.