Published: January 21, 2024

Tennessee Lottery marks 20 Years of Winning for Education

“For twenty years, the Tennessee Education Lottery has helped open doors for students and families by consistently serving as a vital source of funding for specific education programs,” said Rebecca Paul, Lottery president and CEO. “We’ve seen incredible support from those who have embraced the games, our retailers, our Board of Directors, elected officials, and our dedicated team of employees—all of which has resulted in an amazing journey.” “As we enter the next decade, we’re dedicated to making sure the years ahead prove just as fun for our players and as productive for the good causes we serve.”

LOTTERY NEWS

January 19, 2024

LOTTERY MARKS 20 YEARS OF WINNING FOR EDUCATION

IN TENNESSEE

More than $7.2 Billion Raised for Education, More than Two Million Higher-Education Awards Funded

 

STATEWIDE—The Tennessee Education Lottery (TEL) has funded enough scholarships and grants to fill the 101,915-seat Neyland Stadium in Knoxville to capacity for each one of the 20 years since the Lottery’s launch.

That’s right: Tomorrow marks the Lottery’s 20th anniversary, and during these past 20 years the TEL has:

  • Raised more than $7.2 Billion for education programs
  • Funded more than two million scholarships and grants for students attending higher education institutions in Tennessee
  • Funded hundreds of enriching K-12 after-school programs
  • Created $19.8 Billion in prizes won by players
  • Sold 395 tickets worth $1 million or more
  • Paid more than $1.9 Billion to a network of over 5,000 retailer locations

“For twenty years, the Tennessee Education Lottery has helped open doors for students and families by consistently serving as a vital source of funding for specific education programs,” said Rebecca Paul, Lottery president and CEO. “We’ve seen incredible support from those who have embraced the games, our retailers, our Board of Directors, elected officials, and our dedicated team of employees—all of which has resulted in an amazing journey.”

“As we enter the next decade, we’re dedicated to making sure the years ahead prove just as fun for our players and as productive for the good causes we serve.”

The TEL has seen success since it launched three weeks ahead of schedule on Jan. 20, 2004, which netted an additional $30 million in funding for education. The Lottery’s gross revenues have increased an average of 5.2 percent annually since its first full fiscal year.

Lottery-funded programs have grown to include 13 individual scholarships and grants to higher education institutions, K-12 after-school programs and an energy efficient initiative for K-12 schools. Recent legislative changes to the HOPE Scholarship have included increased funding for the award and the opportunity for eligible students to pursue an advanced degree with the Scholarship.

For additional information, visit tnlottery.com and follow the TEL on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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