$3 BILLION RAISED FOR EDUCATION!

On the eve of graduation season, the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation announced today that it has surpassed $3 billion in funds raised to support education-related programs in the state, including the HOPE Scholarship awards.

“It’s that special time of year when accomplished seniors accept their diplomas, while friends and family members proudly look on,” said Lottery President and CEO Rebecca Hargrove. “Three billion dollars is an extraordinary sum, but what’s most meaningful is that this money has helped and continues to help many thousands of young people pursue their dreams of higher education. All Tennesseans can take pride in the success of this effort.”

To mark the $3 billion milestone, the Lottery is running a television commercial to congratulate the state’s HOPE scholars, emphasizing the door-opening opportunity that education provides.

For county-by-county details about how Lottery funds are used, visit www.seehowitaddsup.com.

“This achievement is exactly what Tennessee voters had in mind when they voted to create the Lottery in the fall of 2002,” said Susan Lanigan, Chair of the Lottery’s Board of Directors. “All of us on the Board applaud the Lottery for its great work and extend our congratulations to the many deserving students across Tennessee.”

According to data from the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation, the entity that administers Lottery-funded programs, more than 800,000 grants and scholarships to in-state education institutions have been earned by deserving students since the Lottery’s inception in 2004, including more than 100,000 awards during the current academic year alone. Lottery funds are also used to support other education-related activities, including after-school programs implemented in more than 225 sites across the state, and an ongoing initiative to make schools more energy efficient.
About the Tennessee Education Lottery
The Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation operates entirely from the revenue it generates through the sale of its products. Net proceeds from sales of Lottery tickets, currently averaging over $6 million per week, fund specific education programs, including college scholarships and after-school programs.

Since the Lottery began selling tickets on Jan. 20, 2004, it has raised more than $3 billion for these programs. In addition to the educational beneficiaries, players have won over $7 billion in prizes and Lottery retailer partners have earned over $753 million in retailer commissions.