A Dawson County student was awarded a scholarship last week from the Sawnee EMC Foundation.

Jessica Abe, a Dawson County High School senior, was selected along with 11 other North Georgia students to receive the $3,500 scholarship.

The Sawnee Electric Membership Foundation developed the youth scholarship program to support local high school students seeking to continue their education. The foundation awarded $42,000 in scholarships this year.

Funding comes from customers who choose to “round-up” their monthly energy bill to the next highest dollar. Since starting, the foundation has given more than $800,000 to those in need.

The foundation’s youth scholarship program selection process involves an application and interview.

Cindy Badgett, director of external affairs for Sawnee EMC, said “the interviews are priceless. It gives the judges an opportunity to meet the applicant in person and gain better insight on their academic successes, dedication to their communities and their future goals.”

Sawnee EMC is an electric distribution cooperative with headquarters in Cumming.