From left to right: Hanely McCosh, Haydan Richardson, Timothy Skipper, and Wyatt Farmer.
In its ongoing commitment to education and training, a core cooperative principle, Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative (EMC) has awarded four promising future lineworkers with the Lineman School Scholarship. Carroll EMC is proud to recognize Wyatt Farmer, Hanely McCosh, Haydan Richardson and Timothy Skipper as this year’s recipients.
The Lineman School Scholarship, a program that helps recipients take their first steps into the electric utility industry, has a demonstrated track record of kickstarting successful careers with electric cooperatives, municipalities and contractors in the area. Since 2017, nearly 50 individuals have been sponsored through their training.
“It’s important that we prepare this next generation of lineworkers,” said Carroll EMC Vice President of Operations, Tommy Cook. “Many in our workforce are reaching the age of retirement, including myself, so we need young men and women who are willing to pursue a career and stick with it. We’re proud to support those who do.”
This year’s recipients, all with a passion for serving their community, have answered that calling.
“This is not just a job to me,” wrote Richardson, a scholarship recipient. “It’s a career and something I plan on retiring from. This is my calling in life.”
To qualify for the scholarship, interested applicants must live in a home served by Carroll EMC or be an employee, employee’s child or employee’s grandchild. They must also be a graduating senior in good standing or have earned a high school diploma or GED and be drug free with a safe driving record. If these requirements are met, individuals can submit an online application with two letters of recommendation and an essay outlining why they want to pursue this career path. Each qualified applicant must sit down for a panel interview with a scholarship committee.
In addition to the $5,000 scholarship, which may be used to cover the cost of tuition, tools, gear and other program-related expenses, each recipient is assigned a lineman mentor who regularly checks in on their progress.
“Helping students succeed in linework is more than a workforce goal — it’s also an investment in our communities’ future,” added Cook. “We’re excited to see where this journey takes them.”
Interested applicants for next year’s scholarship cycle can contact Rolando Benitez at (770) 830-5721 or [email protected] for more information or with questions.
