The HOPE Scholarship Program, which helps students pay for college, has crossed $15 billion in funding since it began in 1993, officials announced Wednesday.
The program, which is funded by the Georgia Lottery, has awarded more than $15 billion to more than 2.1 million Georgia students since it began, Gov. Brian Kemp said in a statement. He called it a “milestone” that will benefit students across the state,
“After three straight years of record-breaking economic development, Georgians have more opportunity than ever before,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “The HOPE Scholarship has been essential to that growth by preparing a generation of students for success. This milestone reminds us of that incredible impact and the lasting legacy of former Governor Zell Miller.”
In the first year of the HOPE program, $21 million was awarded to nearly 43,000 Georgia students. This year, the program has grown to award $841 million for scholarships and grants to more than 178,000 Georgia students.
“The tremendous growth in utilization of the HOPE programs over thirty years illustrates the value of the many opportunities for our students to learn and succeed right here in Georgia,” says Georgia Student Finance Commission President Lynne Riley.
The HOPE Scholarship Program offers scholarships and grants to students pursuing post-secondary education. The program is available at 79 Georgia public and private colleges and universities. For more information, visit www.GAfutures.org.
