Sumter EMC is currently accepting applications for the prestigious Walter Harrison Scholarship, a program sponsored by the EMCs in Georgia. Created in 1985, by the board of directors of Georgia EMC, the $1,000 scholarship pays tribute to the late Walter Harrison, a pioneer in the rural electricity movement.

In 2022, Walter Harrison Scholarships will be awarded to 14 students. The scholarship is merit based and is available to any college level student. A scholarship committee comprised of directors and managers of Georgia’s EMCs will evaluate students on a number of criteria such as grade point average, SAT scores, academic standing, scholastic honors, community involvement and financial need.

The application process is underway, and students for the scholarship must be accepted or enrolled in an accredited two- or four-year university or technical institute. They must also complete a two-page application and submit an autobiographical sketch which includes a preview of his or her future plans. Finally, to be eligible for the scholarship, students and their families must be members of Sumter EMC and reside within the co-op’s service area.

“Participating in the Walter Harrison Scholarship program is one of the many ways we invest in our local community,” said Andrea Walker, Vice President of Marketing and Administration. “We recognize the growing cost of education, and we are happy to play a part in helping members pursue their dream of a college education.”

Scholarship applications are available online at sumteremc.com/walter-harrison-scholarship or by calling Mary-Margaret Fox at (229) 924-8041 or (800) 342-6978. Scholarship applications must be submitted to Sumter EMC no later than January 14, 2022.