• 2024 Duane Spader and Kevin Lodder Scholarships, Darlene Briggs Award Applications due September 15
MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 21 – The MRAA Educational Foundation has announced the call for nominations and applications for its Annual Scholarships and the 2024 Darlene Briggs Marine Woman of the Year Award. Chosen recipients will be presented scholarships in December at MRAA’s annual Dealer Week Conference and Expo in Orlando, Fla. Scholarship and award information can be found in the MRAA Educational Foundation on MRAA.com.
The remarkable Duane Spader Leadership Development and Kevin Lodder educational scholarships are intended to financially assist the career development of marine industry professionals and promote workforce development within boating. The Darlene Briggs Woman of the Year Award, continuously presented annually since 1987, recognizes an outstanding woman who is actively involved in the marine industry at any level. The deadline to submit a scholarship and award nominations/applications is Sunday, Sept. 15.
“The MRAA Educational Foundation scholarships make a lasting difference in the lives of the recipients, helping them to amplify their leadership traits and implement tactics for long-term career success,” said Matt Lodder, MRAA Educational Foundation Chair. “The scholarships benefit the marine industry by providing access to world-class training. Through this recognition, the MRAA Educational Foundation advances its mission to grow the marine industry and honor workforce members by helping marine businesses train and grow their employees.”
Online applications and nominations are being accepted for the Duane Spader Leadership Development Scholarship and Kevin Lodder Scholarship.
Learn more about scholarship nominations/applications:
- In its 12th year, the Duane Spader Leadership Development Scholarship provides the scholarship recipient tuition to attend NCM Associates’ (formerly Spader Business Management) Leadership Development Program, which spans 15-18 months and includes five, three-day training sessions. This significant scholarship honors Duane Spader’s dedication to the marine industry and his philosophy of lifelong learning.
- The Kevin Lodder Scholarship includes tuition and a travel stipend for the recipient to attend the NCM Associates Total Management 1 Workshop. The Kevin Lodder Scholarship was established in 2004 in memory of Kevin Lodder of Lodder’s Marine in Fairfield, Ohio. Kevin’s unwavering dedication to his family, friendships, business and the marine industry inspired the creation of this scholarship, which honors his passion for the industry and commitment to achieving greater success through first-class education.
- Named in memory of the late Darlene Briggs of Wayzata, Minn., who was admired for her unwavering dedication to the industry, celebrates women who exemplify her spirit and contributions. The prestigious Darlene Briggs Marine Industry Woman of the Year award, sponsored by the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas and Boating Industry, nomination is open for all women within the boating industry.
“The Darlene Briggs Marine Woman of the Year Award is a significantly important award for the boating industry because it both continues to recognize Darlene’s legacy as an industry pioneer, as well as celebrating today’s exceptional women leaders, who play critical roles throughout our great industry,” said Matt Gruhn, MRAA President.
The MRAA Educational Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, also accepts donations to support its scholarship and training programs. Learn more about supporting the organization in its efforts to grow the marine workforce.
About MRAA Educational Foundation
A nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization, the MRAA Educational Foundation has awarded more than 88 scholarships and awards collectively worth more than $200,000 over the past 19 years. Donations from independent donors and corporate partners make all scholarships provided by the MRAA Educational Foundation possible. To learn more about donating, or to find more information about the MRAA Educational Foundation, visit www.mraa.com/foundation/.
About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.
Want to nominate or apply today?
Darlene Briggs Marine Industry Woman of the Year: Nominate
Duane Spader Leadership Development Scholarship: Apply/Nominate
Kevin Lodder Scholarship: Apply/Nominate
