Education

The Lineman Scholarship was established to honor the legacy of our cooperative’s former Executive Leadership, whose dedication, vision, and commitment to community shaped the organization for decades. Their leadership championed the essential work of line workers—individuals who embody safety, service, and resilience while keeping power flowing to the communities we serve. This scholarship reflects their belief in investing in people, supporting workforce development, and ensuring that the next generation of line workers is equipped to carry forward the cooperative mission.

Guidelines

• Applicant must live in a household served by North Georgia EMC and provide proof of residency.
• Applicant must be a high school graduate, hold a GED, or be a high school senior in good standing.
• Applicant must have a current driver’s license and clean driving record.
• A complete application must be submitted before the deadline. Application must include:
  • Acceptance letter or proof of enrollment
  • A 300-500 word essay answering the question, “Why do you want to be a Lineman?”
  • Copy of high school diplomas, GED equivalent, or transcript for high school student
  • Two letters of recommendation (can be from teacher, employer, personal acquaintance)
  • Previous winners are not eligible for a second scholarship

Funding

• Up to two $2,500 scholarships will be awarded.
• The scholarship will be paid directly to the applicant’s chosen lineman school.
• Funds may be used for any lineman school program in Georgia.
• Student must initiate their school registration and complete the program within one year of award. The school shall return any unused funds to North Georgia EMC.

The 2026 application is now closed.
The NGEMC Chairman’s Memorial Scholarship is offered to high school seniors who live with an NGEMC member. The $2,500 scholarship is awarded to one senior in each of the seven counties served by NGEMC. These counties are Catoosa, Chattooga, Floyd, Gordon, Murray, Walker, and Whitfield.*

This scholarship is given in memory of Board Chairmen Howard Baker and Gerald Lowery. Baker represented Chattooga County on the NGEMC Board of Directors and was instrumental in bringing electricity to rural Northwest Georgia. Lowery represented Catoosa County and served as Board Chairman during a time of rapid technological growth. Under his leadership, NGEMC made many advancements in innovation and reliability.

Both Baker and Lowery left a legacy of commitment to community and excellence reflected in each recipient of the NGEMC Chairman’s Memorial Scholarship.

*Children of NGEMC employees are not eligible for the NGEMC Chairman’s Memorial Scholarship.

The 2026 application is now closed.
The Walter Harrison Scholarship is offered through NGEMC in partnership with Georgia Electric Membership Corporation (GEMC). The application will be available on this website in the fall.

The scholarship is available to high school seniors who have been accepted to an accredited Georgia college, university or technical school or any undergraduate student currently enrolled in an aforementioned school. This scholarship was created in 1985 to honor the late Walter Harrison, a pioneer in bringing electricity to rural Georgia.

The Walter Harrison Scholarship Fund is financed through donations from Georgia’s EMCs and other associated organizations.

Harrison was instrumental in beginning Planters EMC in his hometown of Millen and helped to begin the EMCs’ statewide service organization, GEMC, where he served in various capacities from 1941 to 1975. Harrison also served on the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s board for 31 years including two years as president of the organization.

The 2026 application is now closed.
The Allison Crossen Memorial Scholarship is a $2,500 scholarship given to a high school senior aspiring to a career in STEM and with a strong background in community service.

Allison Hayes Crossen served as an invaluable North Georgia EMC team member for more than 21 years. As a graduate of Georgia Institute of Technology where she completed her Master of Science in Health Systems and Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering, Allison naturally excelled in providing major commercial and industrial customers as well as school systems excellent service and Power with Purpose.

While serving at NGEMC as the Senior Manager of Executive Account Engineering, Allison relied on her analytical mind and desire to help others to ensure customers and co-workers received paramount support. She proudly served the very customers who provide employment for so many individuals throughout the region.

The Allison Hayes Crossen Memorial Scholarship honors her legacy and will be awarded to a student who has demonstrated excellence in both the community and the classroom, with distinction in areas related to STEM education.