Lottery deposits up for education programs, but HOPE challenges r

Georgia Lottery deposits for HOPE and pre-kindergarten are up slightly this fiscal year, but struggles remain for the popular college scholarship program.

Lottery officials said Tuesday that they transferred about $418.5 million to the education account, an increase of $7.4 million from this time last fiscal year.

While the lottery is successful, it can't keep up with growing enrollment and tuition costs. As a result, lawmakers reduced HOPE award payouts last year to keep the scholarship from running out of money.

Projections released last week show current high school freshmen should expect HOPE to cover less than half their tuition and fees at the University of Georgia and other top-tier schools by the time they enter college.

The House and Senate higher education committees have scheduled a joint meeting for next week to discuss HOPE.

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