Proceeds from the New York Lottery are funding college scholarships for more than 1,200 students statewide.

Governor David Paterson announced the so-called Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarships to graduating high school seniors.

Each will get $5,000 toward the cost of attendance at any accredited state college, university or trade school.

The scholarships are offered each year to students with at least a "B" average who have demonstrated outstanding service to their communities.

Since the program started in 1999, the state lottery has awarded more than 11,500 scholarships totaling over $50 million.