Students who receive a Tennessee Lottery Scholarship saw an increase in funds over the summer.

The Tennessee Lottery HOPE award increased by $300, making the value $3,300 instead of $3,000. The Need-Based supplemental award increased by $500, from $1,000 to $1,500. Also, The Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant increase by $50, from $1,250 to $1,300.

“The Need-Based award is now called the ASPIRE award. However, the name will still be the same on Banner,” said Susan Box, Senior Administrative Service Assistant.

Students now have the opportunity to regain their Lottery Scholarship if their GPA falls below requirements.

“Students can repeat a class if they get a bad grade in hopes of bringing up their GPA. Another option is to work on your GPA until the next GPA checkpoint,” said Box.

However, replacing a bad grade or working on your GPA one-time only. Students must go by the Financial Aid Office and fill out the paperwork.

Tennessee established three new scholarships over the summer.

The Out-Of-State Return grant allows students who graduated from a Tennessee high school to return to an institution in Tennessee after attending a school outside the state. Students are allowed to transfer back and receive the scholarship as long as they achieved the mandatory GPA at the credit hour checkpoints and remained continuously enrolled.

Another grant is for non-traditional students. Students must be 25 years of age or older and have an adjusted gross income of less that $36,000. Non-traditional students must have lived in Tennessee for one year before enrolling and be a first-time student. Non-traditional students are eligible for the maximum Tennessee Lottery Scholarship of $3,300 if they maintain the requirements.

The HOPE Foster Care grant applies to students who were in state foster care for at least one year after 14 years of age. This scholarship will cover the total cost of the tuition and fees at a public postsecondary institution after applying any other federal or state assistance.

For high school seniors, two changes were made over the summer. The Tennessee Lottery Scholarship allows high school seniors to take 16 months off instead of six.

“This allows high school seniors to take a break from school for 16 months instead of six, and still be eligible for a Lottery Scholarship,” said Box.

High school students can also receive a Dual-Enrollment grant. Students must complete a Dual-Enrollment grant application and be a Tennessee resident for one year prior. High school students are required to maintain a 2.75 GPA in dual enrollment courses.

However, hours attempted and earned will have no impact on HOPE eligibility.

“The state will pay up to $300 for dual credit classes. Students will receive a fee waiver to turn in,” said Box.

When asked about how a student’s GPA is calculated for Tennessee Lottery, Box said, “In your Lottery GPA, classes dropped after the drop/add period count. Your UTM GPA counts high school dual credit courses, where the Lottery GPA does not. That’s why a student’s UTM and Lottery GPA may be different. Just remember, everything counts with your Lottery GPA.”