LITTLE ROCK - After discussions between Governor Beebe's office, the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) and other state agencies, at least 20 additional people will soon be helping to process applications for lottery scholarships.

More than 53,000 students have applied for the scholarships. Most applications from traditional high-school graduates have already been processed electronically, and more than 11,000 of these students have already been informed of their scholarship eligibility.

However, more than two-thirds of the total applications and accompanying transcripts are from current college students and non-traditional students. These applications must be meticulously reviewed by hand to determine eligibility and priority ranking. What was a staff of three people before the lottery scholarships arrived has grown to nearly 40 through transfers and temporary hiring.

Now, ADHE will make up to 20 additional temporary hires, and other state agencies are coordinating and sharing resources to provide further assistance. The Department of Education has offered office space, computer equipment and personnel to help and other state agencies are looking to see if there are qualified people they can share as well.

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