South Georgia Technical College Foundation receives donation from Flint Energies Foundation

REYNOLDS/WARNER ROBINS/UPATOI – The South Georgia Technical College Foundation was one of four local technical college foundations that were awarded $17,692.00 in grant funds from the Flint Energies Foundation for General Education Diploma (GED) scholarships and electrical lineworker scholarships recently. The South Georgia Technical College Foundation received a total $3,132.00. Flint Energies Foundation awarded the SGTC Foundation $1,760 dollars to fund 11 GED testing scholarships and then provided another $1,372 to fund scholarships for the South Georgia Technical College Electrical Lineworker program. “On behalf of South Georgia Technical College and the South Georgia Technical College Foundation, I would like to thank the Flint Energies Foundation for their support of our students,” said South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford. “The scholarships for the GED tests will be life-changing for the students who are struggling to earn their GED. These funds may be the catalyst that changes an entire family’s future. “We also appreciate the support from the Flint Energies Foundation for the Electrical Lineworker program. These funds will assist individuals who are interested in pursuing a career as an Electrical Lineworker through scholarship opportunities. Again, this is a very successful program that pays big dividends to the students and their families in the form of worthwhile career opportunities,” said President Watford. The Flint Energies Foundation GED Scholarship is limited to students whose primary residence is within one of the 17 counties served by Flint Energies: Bibb, Chattahoochee, Crawford, Dooly, Harris, Houston, Macon, Marion, Monroe, Muscogee, Peach, Schley, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor, Twiggs and Upson. Students pursuing a GED will be able to apply for funds through local technical colleges that serve the Flint Energies area. Up to 102 students can receive this scholarship. The Flint Energies Foundation Electrical Lineworker Scholarship is limited to students whose primary residence is within one of the 17 counties served by Flint Energies. Students pursuing an electrical lineworker certification will be able to apply for funds through South Georgia Technical College Foundation that serve the Flint Energies area. In 2001, Flint Energies adopted this uniquely simple and rewarding way to enable members to raise money for local charities and service organizations - Operation Round Up®. The electric cooperative’s members contribute nearly $200,000 annually to the Flint Energies Foundation, which supports worthy causes in the 17 counties it serves. Operation Roundup® is a way for members to add voluntarily to those funds in their own unique way. Participating members allow Flint Energies to “round-up” their bill to the nearest dollar. For example, if a bill is $92.71, a member will pay $93, with all 29 cents going directly to the Flint Energies Foundation. On average, a member will contribute $6 a year, but never more than $11.88. If a member decides not to participate or chooses to discontinue contributions at any time, they may simply contact Flint Energies. Nearly 65% of Flint’s members have chosen to participate. Donations to Operation Round Up® are tax deductible and members receive a summary of contributions in future January and February bills. The Flint Energies Foundation Board of Directors disburses all contributions to approved, worthy projects. Member contributions are not used for administration costs. The Foundation is a state-chartered, non-profit, 501(c) foundation. Foundation Board members include Chairman Kathy Waites, Fort Valley; Vice Chairman Joanne Hamlin, Lizella; Treasurer Connie McCutchen, Midland; Sara Murph, Kathleen; Charles Harrison, Grovania; Pat Bartness, Warner Robins; George West, Kathleen; John Luppino, Warner Robins; Rudy Killingsworth, Buena Vista; Eloise Doty, Butler and Betty Chase, Oglethorpe. Palmetto Electric Cooperative in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, began Operation Round Up, in 1989. Since that time, more than 200 other electric membership cooperatives nationwide have chosen to adopt the program. Funding applications are available by contacting Flint Energies at 1.800.342.3616 or visiting the My Community section of www.flintenergies.com. About Flint Energies Flint Energies is a not-for-profit cooperative owned by thousands of members in parts of 17 central Georgia counties. Flint directly employs 235 employees and serves more than 87,600 electric meters. We are 100% locally-controlled and democratically governed by 11 members elected from among the membership. In 1937, Flint Energies was created to bring people together to meet common needs like reliable electric energy, and our mission remains focused on improving the quality of life in Middle Georgia. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.