Milton Hershey School began as a dream and vision shared by chocolate
magnate Milton S. Hershey and his wife, Catherine. Unable to have
children of their own, the Hersheys decided to use their wealth to
create a home and school for orphaned boys. Established on November 15,
1909, the first students of what was then called the Hershey Industrial
School lived and attended class in the Homestead, the rural birthplace
of Milton Hershey. Here they were provided with a stable home life and a
rigorous combination of agricultural, vocational, and academic learning.
Today Milton Hershey School continues the tradition of preparing
students to lead productive and fulfilling lives by providing a
cost-free, private, coeducational home and school for children from
families of low income, limited resources, and social need. Milton
Hershey School chronicles the history and traditions of a legacy that
continues to serve the needs of the thousands of boys and girls touched
by the generosity of Milton and Catherine Hershey every day.