The Center

The Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream is a cultural institution dedicated to illuminating pathways to opportunity for all. We are a part of the Milken Institute, a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank focused on accelerating measurable progress on the path to a meaningful life.

What We Do

The ideal at the heart of the American Dream speaks to the aspirations of people everywhere: No matter who you are or where you come from, you should have an equal opportunity to succeed. At the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream, we focus on four pillars: Health and Medical Research, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Education and the Educator, and Access to Capital and Financial Empowerment. Through research, convenings, exhibitions and public programs, we invite people to explore bold ideas, gain practical insight, and engage in dialogue that can bridge divides and inspire action.

We are a place of possibility, where hope is made tangible, and solutions are forged together. Because when opportunity is accessible to everyone, the American Dream is not just preserved—it is propelled forward.

Leadership & Team

Meet the powerhouse team behind the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream.

Careers

Come work with us.

Our Work

Explore More

Keynote Address by Institute Chairman Michael Milken: "A Beacon to the World: Advancing the American Dream"

Milken examines the American Dream as a global aspiration, emphasizing values of equal opportunity, personal and economic freedom, broad access to education and capital, financial literacy, and a deep commitment to medical research and public health. At a time of global uncertainty, Milken reaffirms the urgency of advancing these ideals as pathways to global prosperity.

The Road to the American Dream: Entrepreneurship and Innovation

The journey to creating transformational organizations requires more than just hard work—it demands agility, creativity, and relentless innovation. Entrepreneurs today are harnessing these qualities to shape their own destinies and, in doing so, embody the very essence of the American Dream. In this panel discussion, we’ll dive deep into the stories of enterprising creators who have been fueled by their pursuit of the American Dream, navigating unique paths to success.

The State of the American Dream

In partnership with Gallup, we embarked on a national survey to better understand perceptions of the American Dream. The findings will be featured in our Hall of Dreams through a dynamic data visualization wall.

Image of panel on a stage during an event

Data-Driven Solutions to Advance the American Dream

This panel of experts at the 2024 Milken Institute Global Conference explored how shared data drives prosperity—fueling innovation, shaping policy, and expanding pathways to the American Dream. Moderated by Rachel Goslins, Executive Director of the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream.

The American Dream Video Project

We’ve captured thousands of powerful stories from visionaries, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who turned dreams into lasting impact. Here’s a glimpse into this project. More will be on view at The American Dream Experience.

Explore More

VIDEO

Our Historic Buildings

The Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream is located in five historic buildings in the heart of Washington, D.C., just steps from the White House and the U.S. Treasury.

Discover

Over the past five decades, I’ve known and worked with many outstanding people who exemplified the American Dream. When we began planning the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream several years ago, we wanted to celebrate their stories and those of thousands of others who provide inspiration and hope for the future.

Message from MCAAD Founder Mike Milken