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Youth

Arizona Lottery and Phoenix Public Library Partner to Support Higher Education in Arizona

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Arizona Lottery's Gives Back program has collaborated with the Phoenix Public Library to provide $50,000 in funding for the College Depot program, which helps bridge the "digital divide" for high school seniors from underserved communities. The program, designed to support first-generation college students, has received funding to purchase laptops and internet connectivity equipment. This partnership aims to provide students with the resources they need to succeed in higher education.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Arizona Lottery's Gives Back program has funded programs that benefit the public through higher education, economic development, environmental conservation, and health and human services, with proceeds from Lottery ticket sales funding these areas.
  • The Phoenix Public Library's College Depot program is a free college access center that offers one-on-one assistance to students and families as they plan for college, providing help with scholarship and financial aid applications, college entrance exams, and college applications.
  • The College Depot program helps get students college ready by preparing them for the SAT/ACT exams, hosting financial aid workshops, and assisting with post-secondary admissions and enrollment.
  • The program, designed to support first-generation college students, aims to provide the resources they need to succeed in higher education.
  • John Gilliland, Arizona Lottery Public Information Officer, stated that higher education is essential for Arizona's future and that the partnership between the Arizona Lottery and Phoenix Public Library is crucial for supporting the state's communities.
  • Kelly Bushong, Executive Director of the Phoenix Public Library Foundation, expressed gratitude for the Arizona Lottery's support, stating that it will change the lives of the students and families they serve.

Statistics:

  • The Arizona Lottery gave back nearly $270 million to several state programs during the 2022 fiscal year.
  • The College Depot program has received $50,000 in funding from the Arizona Lottery's Gives Back program to purchase laptops and internet connectivity equipment, including hotspots, for participants in the GRIT program.
  • About 325 students and their families attended the open lab hosted by the Phoenix Public Library and Arizona Lottery, where they received post-secondary education information and applied for scholarships.

Sources:

  • "Arizona Lottery Gives Back to the Community Through Funding and Support" (Arizona Lottery)
  • "Phoenix Public Library's College Depot Program" (Phoenix Public Library)
  • Quote from John Gilliland, Arizona Lottery Public Information Officer (as stated in the article)
  • Quote from Kelly Bushong, Executive Director of the Phoenix Public Library Foundation (as stated in the article)

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