College of Western Idaho (CWI) recently played host to a celebration marking 36 years of the Idaho Lottery and its impact on education and infrastructure across the state. During the ceremony, Idaho Governor Brad Little accepted a $75 million dividend check on behalf of the people of Idaho, underscoring the Lottery’s continued investment in public education and college campus improvements.
This year’s $75 million contribution is the third largest in the Idaho Lottery’s history. Funds from the dividend are now being used to pay down voter-approved bonds and levies, helping to reduce property taxes for Idahoans while supporting educational infrastructure statewide.
“Equally important, Lottery dividends provide critical resources for our infrastructure of state-owned buildings, the bulk of those being on our college campuses,” said Governor Little. “Lottery dividends are paying down bonds and levies at a record pace, reducing taxpayer burdens to provide quality education for our youth.”
At CWI, this investment is already making a visible difference. As noted by Idaho Lottery Director Andrew Arulanandam, the CapEd Student Success Center currently under construction on campus is a real-world example of how these funds are being put to work.
“Today’s dividend announcement, and this past year’s achievements during a difficult, but improving economy, are the result of smart work from a dedicated team of professionals at the Idaho Lottery,” Arulanandam said. “The results can be seen in projects like the CapEd Student Success Center.”
In total, the Idaho Lottery’s 2024 dividend includes $46.8 million designated for public education and $28.1 million for the Permanent Building Fund. Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield emphasized how these dollars enhance safety and integrity across educational facilities.
“The direct impact that these improvements can make on the experiences that students and staff have in our schools cannot be understated,” Critchfield said. “We’re grateful to the Idaho Lottery Commission for making this contribution possible.”
For colleges like CWI, these investments go beyond brick and mortar — they help shape environments where students can thrive.
Following the check presentation, Gov. Little and other dignitaries were led on a tour of the College’s soon-to-be-completed Health & Science Building by CWI President Gordon Jones. With three new facilities under construction across CWI’s campuses, generous support from the Idaho Lottery and others continue to pave the way for quality and affordable education for Idahoans.
