ABSTRACT

In 1996, New Mexico became the second state to adopt a lottery-funded scholarship program. Just two years after Georgia citizens voted to enact a statewide lottery with proceeds earmarked, in part, for college scholarships, public support rose in New Mexico for a similar program. However, based on the personal experience and steadfastness of one newly-elected state senator, the eligibility criteria crafted for the New Mexico Lottery Success Scholarships remain the outlier among the population of broad-based merit aid programs. The New Mexico case illustrates the importance of the state’s historical context, the relevance of a decentralized higher education community, and the influence of political strategy and perseverance.