A number of deserving students will receive an unexpected financial boost if they are chosen as a recipient of the Walter Harrison Scholarship, a program sponsored by Georgia’s electric membership corporations (EMCs). The scholarship can be applied to academic expenses at any accredited two- or four-year university, college or vocational-technical institute in Georgia.
The Walter Harrison Scholarship awards $1,000 scholarships to students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance. Grade point average, SAT scores, academic standing, scholastic honors and financial need are considered. A scholarship committee, comprised of directors and managers of Georgia’s EMCs, awards scholarships to remarkable students who struggle with the high costs associated with attending college.
The scholarship is available to any college level student, regardless of age. Students applying for the scholarship must be accepted or enrolled in an accredited undergraduate degree program. See application below for further requirements.
Created in 1985 by the board of directors of Georgia EMC, the trade association representing the 41 electric cooperatives of Georgia, the scholarship pays tribute to the late Walter Harrison, a pioneer in the rural electricity movement and a leader at local, state and national levels in the electric cooperative program.
The 2025 Walter Harrison Scholarship application is currently open and due by Wednesday, January 15, 2025. If you are unable to download the file, call Trisha McBee at 770-370-2273 and an application will be mailed to you. Applicants must also submit a two-page autobiographical sketch with references to future plans and goals, school transcripts, letters of recommendation and proof of enrollment or an acceptance letter.
Winners were announced on April 1. Sixteen $1,000 scholarships were awarded in 2024.
2025 Walter Harrison Scholarship Application
The 2024 Walter Harrison Scholarship winners are:
Bralie Carey of Uvalda - Altamaha EMC
Raymond Florez of Lyons - Altamaha EMC
Josey Joy Harrell of East Dublin - Altamaha EMC
Bryce Longstaff of Canton - Amicalola EMC
William (Euen) Longstaff of Canton - Amicalola EMC
Gabriella Miller of Macon - Central Georgia EMC
Whitney Benz of Newnan - Coweta-Fayette EMC
Adrian Ooi of Warner Robins - Flint Energies
Jon Van Nostrand of Bonaire - Flint Energies
Elizabeth Turnbough of Powder Springs - GreyStone Power
Takara Aguilar of Jefferson - Jackson EMC
Valerie Jenkins of Sylvania - Planters EMC
Victoria Kirk of Stockbridge - Snapping Shoals EMC
Jesse Jay Nipper of Social Circle - Snapping Shoals EMC
Bonnie Jean Houston of Donalsonville - Three Notch EMC
Melana Sellars of Tennille - Washington EMC