WEST POINT — THINC academy students looking for college funding may get a boost from the county’s largest employer.

Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia Inc. announced Tuesday its intent to provide $12,600 in scholarships for students who plan to enroll at West Georgia Technical College after completing their coursework at THINC College and Career Academy.

The company plans to provide two types of scholarships: the KMMG Scholarship and KMMG Merit Scholarship. The basic scholarships will be awarded in increments of about $500 based on financial need and merit scholarships in increments of about $2,000.

The KMMG Merit Scholarship will be the first merit based scholarship offered by West Georgia Tech, states a KMMG press release. The company’s criteria for the scholarship will look at students who demonstrate characteristics consistent with the “Kia Way, such as self-responsibility and a can-do mindset,” the press release states.

Successful candidates are also expected to demonstrate leadership qualities, which are measured within THINC’s soft skills rubric and are calculated as a percentage of student’s overall grade.

“KMMG is a learning organization and these scholarships will make an impact on this region’s available workforce of tomorrow,” said KMMG Chief Administrative Officer Randy Jackson. “We have invested a great deal into the THINC College and Career Academy, and these scholarships will allow students to continue to build on their education and prepare for a successful career.”

THINC is located on the West Georgia Tech campus at 1 College Circle in LaGrange. Steve Daniel, college president, shared his appreciation for the educational partnership that will allow students to transition to college in a familiar environment.

“We are very appreciative of KMMG’s commitment and support of our technology programs at the college,” said Daniel. “These scholarships will be tremendously beneficial to our students and will allow for a seamless transition as they prepare for future careers that are in high demand.”

Dr. Kathy Carlisle, THINC’s CEO, thanked KMMG for its dedication and support for students in the region.

“As we anticipate our first graduation class at THINC, we deeply appreciate KMMG’s leadership and commitment to our students and know these scholarships will pave the way for a brighter future,” said Carlisle.