Milton Hershey School

Giving opportunity to children in need. Learn More

Every day children are born into neighborhoods fraught with extreme poverty and limited opportunities. Many parents are unable to provide their children with the support they need to reach their potential. This is the reality of at-risk children in communities throughout the nation. Milton Hershey believed that providing children from families in need with a first-rate education and the support of a nurturing and caring community would enable them to break the chains of poverty.

That vision has guided the mission of MILTON HERSHEY SCHOOL (MHS) for the past 100 years. Our cost-free, private, coeducational home and school is the largest of its kind in the nation. Today, MHS is a safe-haven for more than 1,800 girls and boys from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade who come from states throughout the country. Children from families of low-income, limited resources and social need are given the opportunity to work hard, realize their potential and build towards a brighter future.

Our students live in homes with other students of the same gender and similar age, and are cared for by married couples called houseparents. Every day our students rely on houseparents for a shoulder to cry on and as a sounding board about life’s many experiences. Whether helping a student with homework, cheering for them at a basketball game, or telling a bedtime story… it’s their giving spirit that helps to guide students into mature, self-sufficient, responsible and caring adults.

We designed our academic program to prepare each student for success in higher education, professional pursuits and personal achievements. The comprehensive program emphasizes applied and hands-on learning and focuses on individual progress and learning needs.

Beyond the nurturing home and first-rate education, extensive, holistic support for students is provided, including free access to critical needs such as dental care, healthcare, clothing – and even smaller necessities, like haircuts.

Students enjoy a variety of activities that help them explore their talents and interests, build leadership and character, and make friends. Students display their athletic talents on a number of state championship varsity athletic teams and also in intramural programs. Artistic talents shine brightly in choral groups, jazz bands, theater productions and photography programs. Community service is a part of daily life at the school and for many of our students it begins with their introduction to the Boy and Girl Scouts.

For 100 years, MHS has been preparing students to lead fulfilling lives and become productive members of society. In turn, children born with the odds stacked against them go on to the top ranks of business, and become leaders in their communities devoted to giving back. A recent study of MHS alumni living in 45 states throughout the US and five additional countries revealed that 80% of respondents reported that they volunteered for an organization. Alumni annually give up to $10 million to charitable organizations.

When MHS changes a student’s life, the impact of the change is felt by an entire family, a small town, a large city and eventually the nation.

For more information about MILTON HERSHEY SCHOOL visit www.mhs-pa.org

 

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