Scholarship Lottery Celebrates Ten Years

The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery celebrated its 10-year anniversary over the weekend.

On September 28, 2009, the first Lottery ticket was sold in Arkansas for the purpose of funding higher education scholarships for students in the state. Since that time, the Lottery has raised more than $889 million in scholarship funding.

The number of scholarships awarded to county residents in Howard County has totaled 2,991 since 2009. The amount of scholarship money awarded has totaled $4,864,000.

The number of scholarships awarded in Pike County has totaled 2,317, a financial aid of $3,684,000.

Bishop Woosley, director of the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery, says they have been able to assist many students in attending college.

Not only has the Lottery funded scholarships, but increased retail revenue and large winnings to players.

The numbers continue to grow annually. Fiscal year 2019 set records in scholarship proceeds – $98.4 million – and sales of more than $516,236,823, which is $16 million higher than the previous fiscal year.