Pre-K
Being ready to learn helps kids get the most out of school. The N.C. Pre-K program serves four-year-old children who are at risk of falling behind their peers as they prepare for kindergarten. Thanks to lottery funds, 12,221 children across the state received a free, academic pre-school experience last year.
School Construction
Students need modern, up-to-date places to learn. Counties use money raised by the lottery to help build and repair schools. Last year, counties received $100 million in lottery funds for school construction and $30 million for repair and renovation projects. These funds help meet the needs that would otherwise have to be paid for by alternative means, such as property taxes. Local officials decide the best use of the construction funds they receive.
College Scholarships and Grants
Money raised by the lottery helps make dreams of college become reality. The money provides scholarships based on financial need to help students cover the costs of attending a state university or community college in North Carolina. Last year, 27,146 scholarships were awarded to students throughout the state. A second way that the lottery helps make college affordable is through the UNC Need-Based Grant Program. Last year, 48,504 grants helped students attend a state university. Fill out a FAFSA for your chance at a scholarship or grant.
Non-Instructional Support
It takes a team to make a school work. Last year, more than $385 million in lottery funds were made available to support the operations of public and charter schools, including the costs of support staff such as office assistants, custodians and substitute teachers.
Needs-Based School Construction
In 2017, legislators increased funding for school construction by adopting a new needs-based grant program. This new program, funded exclusively by lottery dollars, helps small, rural counties with critical building needs to build new schools. Last year, over $395 million of money raised by the lottery helped 28 counties meet their school construction needs.
School Transportation
Just like students need a place to learn, they also need a safe way to get to school. Money raised by the lottery helps cover costs for school-provided transportation, like bus drivers’ salaries, fuel, and other related costs. Last year, counties received over $21 million to help cover the cost of school transportation. Local officials decide the best use of the funds the county receives.