Created in 1985 by education reformer and philanthropist Lowell Milken[1][2] and first presented in 1987, this initiative of the Milken Family Foundation has presented awards to over 2,900 teachers across the United States, averaging around 30-40 teachers per year.
"[4] The award currently gives $25,000 in unrestricted funds to teachers who are early in their career, or mid-career, to reward them "for what they have achieved—and for the promise of what they will accomplish in the future.
[6] For example, in January 2016, a Hawaii high school science teacher was "shocked" to receive the award, given at a school-wide assembly.
Candidates are confidentially recommended to the Foundation by a blue-ribbon panel appointed by each state's department of education.
[10] Based on guidelines established by the Foundation, participating states' departments of education appoint blue-ribbon committees that recommend candidates for selection.