Youth & Education

Georgia EMC works hand-in-hand with its 42 member cooperatives to make a difference in Georgia's communities. This commitment is evident in the variety of statewide leadership and educational programs we support for our state's youth. We encourage you to contact your local EMC as many offer additional programs as well.

Washington Youth Tour

Once a year, high school students are selected by the electric cooperatives in Georgia to represent our state as delegates on the Washington Youth Tour. This top-notch leadership experience and tour of our nation's capitol includes meetings with state and national leaders and leadership training, as well as visits to all the major sights. Participants join over 1,400 other students from around the nation — all expenses paid — for one incredible week in our nation's capital. For more details, see the national Electric Cooperative Youth Tour website and contact your local EMC.

2009 Youth Tour - Candid Photos

2009 Youth Tour - Press Photos

2009 Youth Tour - Capitol Hill Photos

Georgia Cooperative Council's Youth Leadership Conference

Each year the EMCs of Georgia sponsor students to attend the Georgia Cooperative Council's Youth Leadership Conference. The three-day conference is held each July at the FFA-FCCLA Center in Covington. Through teambuilding exercises, personality assessments and an in-depth look into the cooperatives, the conference provides leadership training for the participants and explores the cooperative way of doing business. Georgia's EMCs also sponsor participants to the Couples Co-op Conference organized by the council. See details at the Georgia Co-op Council's website and contact your local EMC.

EMC/FFA Electrification Contest

The EMC/FFA Electrification Contest, part of the Georgia Department of Education's Agricultural Education division, is organized through local FFA chapters and sponsored by the electric membership corporations of Georgia. Participating high school students can win scholarship funds to use at any college, university or vocational school in Georgia. The contest reinforces electrical wiring as taught in the vocational agriculture education program and expands the student's grasp of electric energy and the role of the EMCs in Georgia's energy future. Access contest materials here:

• Contest Guide (PDF)
• 2009-2010 Speech / Demo Topic
• Student Guide to Wiring Booklet (for classroom use)
• Georgia FFA

Walter Harrison Scholarship

Named for one of Georgia's true electric pioneers and state leaders, the Walter Harrison Scholarship program awards $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors and undergraduate students attending any vocational school or two- or four-year accredited college or university in Georgia. Launched in 1985, the scholarships are awarded annually on the basis of academic achievement and financial need. For more information, please contact your local EMC.

William H. Booth Award

Georgia EMC sponsors the William H. Booth Award to recognize outstanding career achievements of among state extension agents who work with the youth and children of 4-H. Extension agents are nominated by their peers for the Booth Award and then undergo an extensive application and interview process after which awards are presented to one agent in each of Georgia's four 4-H districts during the annual 4-H State Congress banquet. See Georgia 4-H for more details.

Georgia High School Association

Georgia EMC has been a corporate sponsor for the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) since 1999, coordinating the involvement of EMCs around the state in the GHSA state championship finals. We support not just the athletes at major events around the state, but the coaches as well. The GEMC Coaches' Corners provide a respite for team coaches to relax and refresh during these events. Learn more about GHSA.