Since the South Carolina Lottery’s inception six years ago, it has raised 1.74 billion dollars to supplement the state’s education system at all levels, including higher education.

In fact, South Carolina’s higher education system receives approximately 72 percent of the lottery profits given to the state (roughly $1.26 billion), which South Carolina appropriates not only for scholarships, grants, loans, and new technology, but also for the maintenance and repair of historically African-American colleges.

26 percent of lottery proceeds given to the state of South Carolina for educational purposes (around $450 million) strengthen the K-12 system, enriching reading, math, science, and social studies with much-needed supplies and state-of-the-art technological tools for learning. Lottery money is also supporting homework centers, pilot programs, testing efforts, school buses, and the Governor’s School for the Arts.

The remaining 2 percent (a little over $37 million) of the lottery proceeds support other state community and education programs, including South Carolina public libraries, Boys and Girls Clubs, and the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind, among many other worthy causes.

So, when you play the lottery, know that your money is put to good use.

If you need financial assistance for college, visit the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education for more information on ways lottery money can benefit you.

Information on lottery appropriations taken from the South Carolina Budget and Control Board