Georgia – Governor Brian P. Kemp made a big announcement about Georgia’s education system: the Georgia Lottery Corporation has raised more than $30 billion for education since it started in 1993. The achievement shows that support for students across the state has been steadily growing for more than 30 years, from early learning through college.
The news was made during a ceremonial check presentation at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where Governor Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp stood with state education leaders during the Georgia–Georgia Tech football game. Chancellor Sonny Perdue of the University System of Georgia, President Jere Morehead of the University of Georgia, and President Angel Cabrera of the Georgia Institute of Technology all attended the event. They all emphasized about how lottery-funded programs affect schools in the state as a whole.
“On behalf of generations of Georgians, Marty and I are proud to congratulate the Georgia Lottery on this historic milestone and celebrate its impact on so many students, some of them twice as former Pre-K students and HOPE recipients,” said Governor Brian Kemp.
“Since 1993, Georgia students from Pre-K to college have been set up for success through the programs funded by the lottery, expanding access to high-quality education in our state. We look forward to seeing that legacy of impact continue for years to come.”
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Georgia Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin echoed that sentiment, saying the accomplishment reflects the commitment of players, retailers, and partners who help drive lottery revenues.
“Every dollar raised contributes to Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship and Pre-K Programs with a wide-reaching impact for students, families and communities,” said Georgia Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin.
“Reaching the $30 billion mark is a testament to the continued support from our players, retailers, vendor partners and stakeholders throughout the state. Thanks to Governor Kemp, members of the Georgia General Assembly and our Board of Directors for their leadership in our mission to maximize revenues for education.”
Families in every part of the state have seen real benefits from those money. Over 2.25 million students in Georgia have received HOPE scholarships to attend qualified colleges and institutions. Over 2.2 million four-year-olds have also taken part in the voluntary statewide Pre-K program. More than $1.8 billion has been gone to public schools for capital improvements and technology upgrades.
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The Georgia Lottery was set up by the Lottery for Education Act in 1992. Its main goal is still to improve educational opportunities from early childhood through college. State leaders said they were sure that the lottery’s impact on Georgia’s education system will last for many years to come, even after it passed the $30 billion threshold.
