Jackson EMC donated $5,000 to the Jefferson FIRST Robotics Team to help students cover expenses for materials and fees for robotics competitions. 

“The Jefferson FIRST Robotics Team is very fortunate to have the support of Jackson EMC,” said Randy Farmer, team coach. “This generous gift will help cover the expenses for robot materials and competition registration fees. This program takes about $25,000 a year to run and relies on sponsorships from companies and businesses. Our program is absolutely free for every student thanks to our numerous sponsors. We appreciate the investment Jackson EMC has made and know it will pay huge dividends in these students' lives.”

Team 4189 of the FIRST Robotics Competition program welcomes high school students from multiple schools, including those who are home-schooled, who have a passion for challenges and technology. The Jefferson-based group competes in high-skill events to design, manufacture, test, compete and complete their uniquely designed robots.

The Jackson EMC donation was made possible using margin refunds that have been unclaimed by the electric cooperative’s members for five years. Legislation passed in 2005 permits Georgia electric cooperatives to make charitable, education and economic development contributions of unclaimed margin refunds.  

Jackson Electric Membership Corporation, the largest electric cooperative in Georgia and one of the largest in the nation, is headquartered 50 miles northeast of Atlanta in Jefferson, Ga. The cooperative serves more than 238,000 meters on 14,396 miles of energized wire. For more information, visit jacksonemc.com.