Connecting with Education

Walton EMC is heading back to classrooms this month. We’re partnering with schools, teachers, parents and students to enhance the educational experience with grants, programs and scholarships.

“Investing in youth programs is one way we strengthen our communities,” says Jennifer Broun, Walton EMC’s community and youth coordinator. “Connecting young people with opportunities can power them toward a better future.”

This year, the co-op has invested more than $400,000 in programs benefitting youth living, and attending school, in the co-op’s 10-county service area.

SCHOOLS

EmPOWERment Grants 

This year, teachers at 34 area schools are using $241,589 in co-op educational grants to further instructional programs. Walton EMC uses unclaimed capital credit refunds to fund the annual program. Applications are being accepted now for grants awarded in December.

Teacher Training
Walton EMC is a participant in the Walton Works educator program that brings teachers to the co-op to gain first-hand understanding of careers in our industry and how they can better prepare students for them.

Safety Programs
Fun and active demonstrations that teach safety messages are free and available to any school in the co-op’s service area. Teachers can call 770.267.2505 to schedule.

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT

Washington Youth Tour
Walton EMC sends four high school students to Washington, D.C., each June to participate in a week-long leadership development opportunity. Applications become available January 2024.

EMC/FFA Electrification Career Development Event
FFA members participating in the electrification competition, sponsored by Walton EMC and other Georgia electric co-ops, can win scholarships for college, university or vocational school in Georgia.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Walton Electric Trust Scholarship
High school seniors can apply to receive one of the 32 $4,000 scholarships awarded to pursue an academic degree or certification from an accredited university, college, technical school or other postsecondary educational institution. Runners-up receive $1,000 scholarships. The application period for 2024 graduates opens in December.

Walton EMC Engineering Leadership Scholarship
University of Georgia engineering majors who live in a county served by Walton EMC can apply for one of five renewable $10,000 scholarships. Apply by Feb. 28, 2024. Details about these educational opportunities and others are at waltonemc.com/community. Click on Youth Programs and Scholarships.

Rave Reviews

High school juniors and sophomores: Note the application deadline for the 2024 Washington Youth Tour for your chance to experience “a truly incredible week,” advises Julianna Walker, one of four Walton EMC-sponsored representatives selected for the 2023 trip to Washington, D.C. This year’s delegates gave the tour an enthusiastic thumbs up.

“…Smithsonian museums, White House, Capitol…there were so many highlights. I feel like I have a completely new and amazing view of our accomplished nation a ter having been to D.C.”— Deeya Mepani

“Being able to interact with delegates from around the rest of the country was such an eye-opening experience…Thank you so much Walton EMC for the trip of a lifetime!”
— Julianna Walker