With the creation of the REA came the formation of electric cooperatives all across the nation. President Roosevelt signed the Executive Order to establish the Rural Electrification Administration on May 11, 1935, providing low interest loans to groups of rural Americans and enabling them to form their own electric companies, called “cooperatives”. Roosevelt’s “New Deal” with America was the creation of the Rural Electrification Administration, now known as the Rural Utilities Service. As a result, part of President Franklin D. Political leaders thought it a great injustice that rural Americans were being denied the increased quality of life brought about by electricity.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.Even though the people living in rural areas wanted the comfort and convenience electricity would offer them, investor-owned companies refused to extend electric lines into the rural areas because it was not profitable. “At Sawnee EMC, We’re More Than Electricity, We’re Service”. SEMC strives daily to live up to their motto… Sawnee always stands ready to meet the needs of its members/owners. The Foundation exists to enhance the way of life for those in need, with financial assistance to selected charitable organizations.

The Sawnee Electric Foundation was created in 2003 with the mission of providing charitable donations within the Sawnee communities. Sawnee serves electricity to approximately 191,000 accounts in seven (7) counties of greater north Georgia. Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an electric distribution cooperative headquartered in Cumming, Georgia. Cindy Badgett, Director of External Affairs for Sawnee EMC at 67 or via email at Sawnee EMC and the Sawnee Foundation Questions about this program or the Sawnee Electric Membership Foundation can be found online at or directed to Mrs. “We look forward to seeing the exciting things this year’s recipients will accomplish after high school,” she further added. Evonda Mathis, Chairman of the Foundation’s Board. “Supporting those in need in our communities, and helping these outstanding students continue their education is a key part of meeting the Foundation’s core mission,” states Ms. To date, and including this year’s recipients, the Foundation has awarded $1,052,500 in scholarships to 252 exceptional high schools seniors within Sawnee EMC’s seven-county service area. Mercedes Martinez South Forsyth High School Gisel Hernandez-Vazquez Alliance Academy for Innovation Anthony Giordano Alliance Academy for Innovation Snigdha Ganjikunta Alliance Academy for Innovation Gabriella Finamore West Forsyth High School The Sawnee Electric Membership Foundation scholarship recipients for 2022 are: “The Youth Scholarship Program is a shining example of what the Foundation and Sawnee EMC are all about, which is their commitment to being a partner and supporter in the various communities Sawnee EMC serves,” states Blake House, Vice President of Sawnee EMC’s Member Services. The awards this year has allowed the Foundation to give over $1 Million in scholarships since 2006. (CUMMING, GA) The Sawnee Electric Membership Foundation (Foundation) announced today that it recently awarded twenty (20) local high school seniors each with a $5,000 scholarship in support of its mission to support education in the areas served by Sawnee EMC.

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