Little Rock, Arkansas – The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery (ASL) has announced a record achievement in net proceeds for fiscal year 2024, which ended on June 30. Based on unaudited results, ASL raised an unprecedented $129,179,283, surpassing the previous record of $113,091,393 set in fiscal year 2023. Since its inception in 2009, ASL has generated over $1.4 billion for scholarship funding, underscoring its significant impact on educational opportunities in Arkansas.
Remarkable Sales and Support for Education
Fiscal year 2024 was the second-highest financial year for ASL in terms of sales, reaching $612,959,721. The highest sales year remains fiscal year 2021, with $631,934,927. Sharon Strong, ASL Executive Director, emphasized the organization’s dual commitment to providing quality entertainment and supporting Arkansas students’ higher education pursuits. “We believe that our mission will continue to contribute to the long-term economic growth and prosperity of our state,” Strong stated.
Scholarships Funded by Lottery Proceeds
The funds raised by the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery are instrumental in supporting four key scholarships awarded by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education:
- The Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship: Offers tuition assistance for students attending two- and four-year public and private colleges in Arkansas.
- The Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship: Available for students enrolling in certificate programs for high-demand occupations.
- The Arkansas Concurrent Challenge Scholarship: Provides financial aid to eligible high school students taking college courses.
- The Arkansas Challenge Plus Scholarship: Offers additional financial support to students with an Academic Challenge Scholarship based on financial need. This scholarship will start accepting students in the upcoming fall.
Celebrating Winners and Retailer Commissions
Fiscal year 2024 was also a rewarding year for lottery players and retailers. Players won a total of $419,987,383 in prizes, with seven individuals winning a million dollars or more. The impressive sales generated approximately $34,544,207 in retailer commissions, further benefiting the local economy.
Commendation for ASL Staff
Executive Director Sharon Strong praised the dedication and hard work of the ASL staff, attributing the record-breaking year to their efforts. “Under the leadership of Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Department of Finance and Administration, our dedicated team of professionals worked diligently this year to achieve a record-breaking year in net proceeds,” Strong said. She affirmed the ASL’s ongoing commitment to operating efficiently and maximizing opportunities to responsibly enhance revenues.
The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery’s record-breaking performance in fiscal year 2024 not only highlights its success in generating funds for education but also reaffirms its role in supporting the educational aspirations of students across the state. For more information, visit the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery website.
