You probably know that the Georgia Lottery donates towards education – specifically for Pre-Kindergarten and college students. However, the real question is this: Is Cherokee County directly affected by the Georgia Lottery? Do our students actually experience the benefits of the lottery? While K-12 public education districts do not directly benefit, the answer is yes!
Data
So, what are the numbers exactly? Here they are!
- Cherokee County has received almost $1 billion from the lottery since 1994
- 34,661 HOPE recipients with over $252 million
- 31,442 Pre-K students with $118 million
- In 2019, 4,741 students benefited from HOPE programs
- 1,565 Pre-K students receiving $21 million and $6 million respectively
Who it Helps
Pre-K
It's important to build a solid foundation as kids are getting ready to shift into the public school system. That's why Pre-K is a crucial time for so many. With the money provided by the Georgia Lottery, our youngest students are given the chance to grow and create a love of learning, an opportunity they may not have had otherwise.
Higher Education
It's no secret that higher education is a costly venture. While beneficial, it also puts many students into debt which causes issues for years to come. The HOPE Scholarship program provides financial assistance for students attending eligible Georgia schools. Students may be qualified for the following scholarships or grants:
- Zell Miller Scholarship
- HOPE Scholarship
- Zell Miller Grant
- HOPE Grant
- HOPE Career Grant
- HOPE GED Grant
All these scholarships and grants have made it possible for students all over the state to further their education without the burden of student debt.
Here's what recent Reinhardt University graduate and Sequoyah High School alumna, Nikki Jonson had to say regarding her HOPE scholarship:
"The HOPE scholarship helped me get through college. Without it, I don't know if I would have been able to attend. I just completed my degree in Music Education thanks to having HOPE. I am currently job hunting and if all goes well, I plan to teach choir in the fall!"
We love to see our students excel after they graduate from the Cherokee County School District (CCSD), whether they further their education or enter the workforce upon graduation. For those that desire to invest in higher education, the scholarships and grants provided by the Georgia Lottery Corporation make a difference in their education, as do a great many other scholarships.
Thank you to the Georgia Lottery for contributing to the future of our county!