Grady Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) is currently accepting applications for the Walter Harrison Scholarship, a program sponsored by Georgia’s EMCs.

The $1,000 scholarship, based on need and merit, can be applied to defray academic expenses at any accredited two- or four-year university, college or vocational-technical institute in Georgia.

“We know this year, more than ever, household budgets are shrinking, and families are much more concerned about how they will pay for school,” said Donnie Prince with Grady EMC. “We want to do our part to support our community and our students.”

Nine scholarships will be awarded in 2010. A scholarship committee comprised of directors and managers of Georgia EMCs will consider grade point average, SAT scores, academic standing, scholastic honors, and financial circumstances when determining eligibility.

Students applying for the scholarship must be accepted or enrolled in an accredited undergraduate degree program, complete a two-page application, and write a two-page autobiographical sketch that includes future plans and a short statement about why the scholarship would be helpful.

The scholarship is available to any college-level student regardless of age.

The financial assistance offered through the Walter Harrison Scholarship is an extension of the work of EMCs to support Georgia’s youth through a variety of statewide leadership and educational programs such as the Washington Youth Tour, Georgia Cooperative Council’s Youth Leadership Conference, EMC/FFA Electrification Contest and the Georgia High School Association.

Created in 1985 by the board of directors of Georgia EMC, the trade association representing 42 electric cooperatives in Georgia, the Walter Harrison Scholarship program pays tribute to the late Harrison, a pioneer in the rural electricity movement and a leader at the local, state and national levels in the electric cooperative program.

Since 1985, Georgia’s electric cooperatives have awarded more than $125,000 to deserving students through this program.

To request an application, students may contact their guidance department counselors within their respective high schools.

Applications are also available by contacting Donnie Prince at Grady EMC at (229) 377-4182.

Completed applications must be received at Grady EMC by Feb. 5, 2010. Winners will be announced by Georgia Electric Membership Corp. on or before April 1, 2010.

Grady EMC is a member-owned cooperative providing electricity and related services to 15,000 members in Decatur, Grady and Thomas counties.