GEORGIA, — Georgia's HOPE scholarship program has awarded over $15 billion to over 2 million students in the state since its inception 31 years ago, Governor Brian Kemp announced Tuesday.
The scholarship, which is funded by the Georgia Lottery for Education and administered by the Georgia Student Finance Commission, aims to help young Georgians pursue an affordable post-secondary credential while keeping some of the best and brightest in the Peach State.
“After three straight years of record-breaking economic development, Georgians have more opportunity than ever before,” said Governor Brian Kemp in a release. “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.”
Over the last three decades, the HOPE Program has grown to include the HOPE Scholarship, Zell Miller Scholarship, HOPE Grant, Zell Miller Grant, HOPE Career Grant, and the High School Equivalency Examination Grant Program.
In the first year of the HOPE program, $21 million was awarded to nearly 43,000 Georgia students. This year, the program awarded $841 million in scholarships and grants to more than 178,000 Georgia students.
“We’re excited to celebrate the milestone of $15 billion in HOPE awards to Georgia’s college, university and technical college students,” said Georgia Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin. “It’s an honor to work each day for Georgia’s HOPE and Pre-K students and their families. The Georgia Lottery is grateful for Governor Kemp, the Georgia General Assembly, and all who have worked diligently to make this achievement possible.”
HOPE Programs are offered at 79 Georgia public and private colleges and universities. For more information on the program and eligible institution, visit here.