CUMMING -- A Cumming-based electric services company recently awarded funding to local colleges for a new scholarship program for veterans.

Sawnee EMC’s Foundation Board of Directors established the inaugural program with a focus on colleges and technical schools in the cooperative’s service area, which allows institutions to submit funding applications annually through a formal written request.

The Cumming campuses of Lanier Technical College and the University of North Georgia will be using the scholarship money this year to help local military veterans, and in one case their immediate family, who are seeking a college degree.

“These institutions will be using the funds to assist veterans in the furtherance of their education. It is such a blessing for the foundation to be able to help these students attain their degree, especially after the sacrifices that they have given to serve our country,” said Blake House, vice president of member services for Sawnee EMC.

Funding came from Sawnee EMC’s unclaimed patronage capital funds, which are different than the donated funds the foundation distributes to charitable organizations throughout the year.

The foundation has donated more than $1.9 million to local charitable organizations and local schools since its inception in 2003.

“Supporting those in need in our communities, and helping the men and women who have served our country with their education, is a key part of meeting the foundation’s core mission,” said Dennis Anderson, chair of the foundation’s board.

For more information, visit sawnee.com/round_up or contact Cindy Badgett, director of external affairs for Sawnee EMC, at (678) 455-1399 or cindy.badgett@sawnee.com.