Georgia's lottery-funded educational programs have become extremely popular with parents concerned with the rising cost of early and higher education as well as the quality of education in our state. HOPE is designed to reward students with financial assistance for higher learning based on their hard work. It is a reward for good work, no matter who you are, no matter your family income. For many Georgia families, HOPE offers hope. To date, a total of more than 315,000 students have received HOPE scholarships.
Many scholars consider pre-kindergarten vital to the advancement of children starting school.
Studies cite that children who attend pre-kindergarten receive higher academic and social ratings than those who do not. The core instructional program is free, regardless of parental income. Since inception, the GLC has made it possible for more than 246,000 students to benefit from Georgia's Prekindergarten Program. During the 1998-99 school year alone, more than 61,000 students will prepare for kindergarten with activities and experiences emphasizing growth in language and literacy, math concepts, science, arts, physical development, and personal and social competence, in a atmosphere which encourages fun while learning. Georgia Governor Zell Miller with Lauren Stripling, a Newnan High School graduate and the 300,000 th HOPE scholarship recipient.