Grappling with that kind of long-term money stress can have an impact on your well-being. However, one company is paying close attention—and helping to eliminate some of that financial burden. Thanks to the Kentucky Lottery’s dedication to education, more than 82,000 students in Kentucky have seen their tuition reduced. For every dollar spent on a lottery ticket, 23 cents goes to the Commonwealth of Kentucky to fund grants and scholarships that help reduce the tremendous weight of college debt. High school students are encouraged to keep their grades up to qualify for the Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES), to graduate college on a more solid financial footing. To date, the Kentucky Lottery has raised $3.8 billion for Kentucky Students through KEES, as well as six other educational programs awarded on a need basis across the state. Nearly all the money awarded (98%) comes from the sale of Kentucky Lottery tickets. Easing the financial pressure many students face helps them focus on their studies, without the distraction of stressing about how they’ll afford tuition. “I heard about the KEES scholarship when I was in middle school, and it set the stage for what was at stake in high school,” says Caleb Kilburn, master distiller, Peerless Distilling Company. “KEES provided a lot of financial flexibility, so I didn’t necessarily have to worry the way that, unfortunately, a lot of students have to. The scholarship opportunities the state provides are instrumental in bettering this community,” he says. Paying it forward is the best way to give back: Any resident in the state of Kentucky can help support debt-free education simply by buying a Kentucky Lottery ticket. It’s a win-win all around.
