Gates Millennium Scholars Program

Bill and Melinda Gates funded this $1.6 billion program through the Gates Foundation to provide full-ride scholarships to outstanding minority students. The program covered tuition, fees, books, and living expenses through a bachelor's degree — and through a doctorate for students in STEM, education, or library science. Though the last cohort was selected in 2018 (replaced by the Gates Scholarship), over 20,000 scholars received funding. Many former Gates Millennium Scholars now hold leadership positions across medicine, law, tech, and government.