College students are returning in droves to universities and colleges in Georgia and across the country. While parents struggle (or celebrate) the empty nest, Grady EMC is helping ease the financial burden of attaining a college degree with the prestigious Walter Harrison Scholarship, a program sponsored by Georgia’s electric membership corporations (EMCs), including Grady EMC. 

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

“We’re proud to offer financial assistance where possible and the Walter Harrison Scholarship can help families offset the rising cost of college,” said Kyle Henderson, Member Service Representative of Grady EMC.  “To be a good community citizen, we have an obligation to help young people.  Whether it’s through the Washington Youth Tour, wiring contests or scholarships, this is how we do it.” Eleven Walter Harrison Scholarships are awarded annually to students with exemplary academic records.  Grade point average, SAT scores, academic standing, scholastic honors, and financial need are considered when determining a student’s eligibility.  A Georgia EMC scholarship committee comprised of directors/ managers and key staff will select the winners.

The application process is currently underway, and students applying for the scholarship must be accepted or enrolled in an accredited undergraduate degree program, must complete a two-page application, and will write a two-page autobiographical sketch which includes future plans.  The scholarship is available to any college level student regardless of age.

Created in 1985 by Georgia EMC, a trade association representing the 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 local, state and national levels.

“It’s appropriate that an industry leader such as Walter Harrison has a scholarship fund named after him, because our hope is to help raise another generation of leaders,” Henderson said.

Contact your school’s guidance counselor or designated Walter Harrison coordinator to receive an application. Since 1985, Georgia’s electric cooperatives have awarded more than $191,000 to students via the Walter Harrison Scholarship program.  Completed applications are to Grady EMC no later than February 5, 2018. Winners will be announced by Georgia Electric Membership Corporation on or before April 1, 2018.

Grady EMC, based in Cairo, is a member-owned cooperative providing electricity and related services to approximately 13,200 members in Decatur, Grady, and Thomas counties.