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Beyond the Credits

The story of Milton and Catherine Hershey doesn’t end when the HERSHEY credits roll.

More than a century ago, Milton and Catherine Hershey created Milton Hershey School to provide children with greater opportunity. Today, their legacy lives on as qualifying students from across the country live and learn on campus in Hershey, Pennsylvania, with all costs covered. Here, students are surrounded by caring adults, strong academics, and hands-on experiences that help them discover their strengths, build confidence, and prepare for college, careers, and life.

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The movie tells their story. At Milton Hershey School, their legacy lives on.

Know a child who could benefit?

Milton Hershey School offers qualifying students in pre-K through 12th grade an exceptional educational experience with all costs covered, surrounded by opportunities to learn, grow, and prepare for what’s ahead.

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Student Home Greenbriar students and houseparents sitting at the dining table doing homework
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Make a Difference Together

Houseparents create supportive living environments where students can grow, build confidence, and prepare for their futures. It’s meaningful work couples do together, backed by the resources and support of MHS.

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Find Your Place at MHS

There are many ways to support students and be part of the Hersheys’ legacy. Explore full-time and part-time opportunities across education, health services, athletics, food services, campus operations, and more.

The School Portrayed on Screen Today

Fact vs. Fiction: What’s true about Milton Hershey School?

Is Milton Hershey School a school for orphaned boys?

Although the school began as a school for orphaned boys, Milton Hershey School has grown to accept boys and girls from many different backgrounds who would benefit from the school.

Is Milton Hershey School only for local children?

Milton Hershey School began as a small school of 10 local boys. MHS now accepts children from across the United States, however the Deed of Trust gives preference to local children.

Does Milton Hershey School teach students how to farm?

The first students of Milton Hershey School were taught agriculture as an integral part of their education as it was seen as an accessible way to earn a middle-class living in rural Pennsylvania. Today, MHS still focuses its curriculum on accessible careers, although it has adapted to the 21st century. Agriculture is now one of many program areas high school students can choose to focus in.

Did Milton S. Hershey really donate his entire fortune to the school?

The Hersheys had no heirs, so they did leave everything to their living legacy. Following the death of his wife, Catherine, Milton S. Hershey donated most of his fortune, in the form of land and stock in The Hershey Company, to the Milton Hershey School Trust to finance the school in perpetuity. He also donated some of his fortune to other organizations, such as the M.S. Hershey Foundation.

Is Milton Hershey School really free?

Yes. Thanks to the generosity of the Hersheys, Milton Hershey School is financed in perpetuity by a trust managed by Hershey Trust Company. All costs are covered, including tuition, housing, meals, clothing, health care, and extracurricular activities.

Their Vision—Still at Work

From a vision in 1909 to more than 12,000 graduates today. More than a century after Milton and Catherine Hershey founded MHS, their commitment to creating greater opportunity for children continues. Today, MHS is a top-tier private school where qualifying students in pre-K through 12th grade live and learn on campus in Hershey, Pennsylvania, with all costs covered.

Milton Hershey School campus

Here’s what that looks like today:

A Supportive Place to Live

Students live in on-campus student homes with a married houseparent couple and students of similar age. Daily routines provide stability, care, and structure, while teachers, houseparents, and staff work together with families to support each student’s learning and growth.

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All Costs Covered

The Hersheys’ generosity means financial barriers don’t stand between qualifying students and the MHS experience. Meals, clothing, health care, school supplies, athletics equipment, extracurricular materials, and more are provided at no cost to families.

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Academics Designed to Grow With Students

From pre-K through 12th grade, students are supported and challenged at every stage, with caring teachers, clear expectations, and hands-on learning. The experience evolves from strong academic and developmental foundations to exploration and ultimately advanced academics and career-focused preparation.

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Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

Athletics, the arts, clubs, and activities give students opportunities to explore their interests, build friendships, develop confidence, and discover new strengths.

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Learning With a Purpose

As students grow, they begin exploring their interests and potential career paths. In Senior Division, students choose a career pathway aligned with their strengths and goals, gaining hands-on experience, earning industry-recognized certifications, and participating in authentic work experiences through Career-Focused Education.

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Prepared for What Comes Next

By graduation, students are prepared to take their next step, whether that means entering the workforce or continuing their education through college or career training.

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A Legacy Strengthened by the Hershey Community

Milton Hershey’s vision extended beyond one company or one school. Today, organizations across the Hershey community continue to help Milton Hershey School students explore their interests, build skills, and prepare for their futures.

Through community partnerships with Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, The Hershey Company, Hershey Trust Company, Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning, Penn State Health, and others, MHS students gain access to mentoring, career exploration, internships, and hands-on work experiences that bring learning to life.

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Go Behind the Story

The connection between HERSHEY and Milton Hershey School goes beyond what’s seen on screen. Explore stories from the students, alumni, and MHS community who helped bring the past and present together.

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A Legacy Meant to Be Lived

The movie tells a good story, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. That story continues every day through MHS students and graduates—in the lives they build, the families they raise, and the difference they make for others.

Through this year’s theme, Spartan Fame, students are encouraged to contribute to something greater than themselves, carrying forward a spirit of service that has shaped MHS from the beginning. Discover the traditions of Founders Week.

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Milton Hershey School will not tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion or religious creed, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected under applicable federal or Pennsylvania law (collectively “Protected Characteristics”), against any applicant for admission, enrolled student, or any other individual(s) who participate(s) in the programs, services, and activities of the School. Read important MHS policies on equal opportunity and diversity, equal employment opportunity, and more.