Walton EMC grants make giant impact on local schools

Since 2016, Walton EMC has pitched in to help local educators accomplish their learning goals through our School EmPOWERment Grant program. Our cooperative just completed the 2023-24 round of grant distributions across the 10-county service area.

Fifty-nine public and private schools received 70 grants totaling almost $370,000 for programs spanning technology to literacy to fine arts and more. Grants ranged from $264 to $20,300, with the average being $5,243. “Many of these grants touch every student in the school that receives them,” said Walton EMC CEO Ron Marshall.

Dove Creek Middle agriculture teacher Brandon Walker (pictured above) received a $20,300 grant to build an animal science instructional facility. “This new facility will enhance our animal science pathway,” said Walker. “Students are always looking for hands-on opportunities. This will provide them with a great experience, including animal science labs. We rely on financial aid from businesses like Walton EMC.”

The grant money giveaway – almost $2.7 million since the program began eight years ago – doesn’t affect customer-owners’ power bills. The funds come from refunds that are unclaimed by former co-op members.

“Our first priority as an electric co-op is providing safe, dependable and affordable electric power,” said Marshall. “Serving our community runs a close second. Our School EmPOWERment Grant program is a perfect example of how we bring community service to life.”

See full list of 2023-24 grant recipients