MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Believe it or not, the lottery tickets you have bought over the years, may have made a difference in a child's life.
“There are 200,000 students who have benefitted from the programs that we fund,” said Rebecca Paul with the Tennessee Lottery Corporation.
After voters gave the program a thumbs up in 2022, roughly half a billion dollars is raised every year in Tennessee Lottery profits, which then goes towards furthering a child's education after they graduate high school.
“There was over 50 million in scholarships and grants given to students in Shelby County last year,” said Paul
According to the TLC President and CEO, the sales from the 5,000 locations that sell lottery tickets in Tennessee have allowed the state to raised $7.5 billion dollars in scholarships and grants since the program launched in 2004.
“Anybody who wants to go to school when they graduate from high school can do so completely free, either through Tennessee Promise at a community college, or a TCAT school,” said Paul.
For those who decide to go to a four-year school, scholarships can help cover upwards of $5,500 per student. In total, the funds generated from lottery sales helps 14 different programs to benefit students.
“I meet their parents who will say ‘Thank you. My son or daughter, were the first in our family who had the opportunity to go to college,’” said Paul.
As for the prizes that go unclaimed, those play a roll in students lives as well. According to Paul, around $18 million a year goes towards after school programs, which includes places like the YMCA.
