Do any other states, besides George, offer college scholarships out of lottery proceeds? Are the standards the same - maintain at least a B average in high school and college? Can homeschooled students qualify if they take some test?

-- Ken S. in WC TN (scharabo@aol.com), March 17, 2001

Answers

Hi, Ken. New Mexico offers college scholarships out of lottery proceeds. Some standards are: Must start college the next semester after graduation, scholarship does not take effect until the following semester after beginning college, must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA, must be a New Mexico resident, and must go consecutive semesters (not including summers), meaning no interim or time off, to keep the scholarship. Last year, there was talk of shortages of monies available, so if that situation continues, then students will receive only a portion of their tuition, and further shortages could change that to a needs/low income type of scholarship. My daughters have taken advantage of this scholarship, and it has helped us tremendously. They are in their first year/second semester of college, so the scholarship was available to them this semester.

-- Gina NM (inhock@pvtnetworks.net), March 17, 2001.

Hi,Ken. Some of Kentucky's KEES money comes from our lottery, and some from taxes. There are prorated amounts determined by GPA and number of semesters, and a flat $500 bonus for a 27 or higher on the ACT. Homeschoolers qualify only for the ACT bonus, because we might be cheating on the GPA portion!!! Like an A at the local high school always means something?!?!?! I'm not sure of all the rules, not having had a child use it yet, but I'm pretty sure the $'s are refunded to the student (or parents) after the school has been paid.

-- glynnis in KY (gabbycab@msn.com), March 18, 2001.