This $5,000 opportunity is open to Marine Retailers Association members, employees and dependents
Minneapolis — What happens when industry leaders get together to give back to the marine retail community at the heart of the boating business? A new scholarship is born! The MRAA Educational Foundation is proud to announce that Retail Members of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, their employees and their dependents now have the opportunity to apply for a $5,000 college scholarship at MRAA.com/Foundation. This scholarship is made possible by the generosity of Priority One Financial Services, the Boater Rewards Association and MRAA Educational Foundation Donors.
The first-ever Marine Industry College Scholarship to be offered by the MRAA Educational Foundation will be officially presented during the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, Dec. 5-8 in Orlando, and is intended to financially assist the training and education of those working in or planning for a career in the marine industry. The deadline to submit a scholarship application is Oct. 31.
In order for applicants to be eligible to apply for the Marine Industry College Scholarship, they must fulfill the following criteria:
- Display a passion for the boating lifestyle
- Be preparing for or currently engaged in a career in the recreational boating business
- Show evidence of enrollment in an accredited college, university or post-secondary technical school program
- Be a Retail Member of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (includes all employees of Retail Members) or a dependent of a Retail Member.
“We were thrilled when both the Boaters Rewards Association and Priority One approached us in the same month with an interest in launching a college scholarship for MRAA Retail Members,” said Liz Walz, MRAA Educational Foundation Executive Director. “All three organizations share a common vision – that by supporting the education of current and prospective marine professionals, we will create a stronger workforce, armed with the training to help our customers live an outstanding boating lifestyle.”
Complete the online application, including uploading documentation demonstrating enrollment in an accredited college, university or post-secondary technical school program and an essay describing the applicant’s passion for the boating lifestyle, prior involvement in boating and/or the boating business, interest in the scholarship and how he or she plans to put it to use in pursuit of a career in the recreational marine industry. Apply for the MRAA Foundation’s Marine Industry College Scholarship here: https://mraa.com/?page=CollegeScholarship
A nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization, the MRAA Educational Foundation has handed out more than 60 scholarships and awards collectively worth more than $130,000 since it was launched in 2004.
Donations from individual marine professionals and corporate partners make the scholarships and awards provided by the MRAA Educational Foundation possible. To apply or donate to the MRAA Educational Foundation, visit www.mraa.com/foundation.
About the MRAA Educational Foundation
As part of its mission to create a strong and healthy boating industry, the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas is committed to offering training, education and professional development opportunities to its members and the entire marine dealer community. In 2004, the association launched the MRAA Educational Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c) 3 corporation, to provide financial support for education, training and professional development in the recreational marine trades. Learn more at www.mraa.com/foundation.
About Priority One Financial Services
Priority One has been serving the marine and RV industry since 1987. Acquired in 2007 by Forest River, Inc. a Berkshire Hathaway company, Priority One serves as the F&I managed services provider for hundreds of dealers nationwide. For more information, visit www.P1FS.com.
About the Boater Rewards Association
The mission of the Boater Rewards Association, started in 2015, is to provide boaters with resources, and information to enhance their boating experience. Boater Rewards was started by a group of leading marine insurance professionals, a boating safety association, several avid boaters, and a young entrepreneur, all looking for ways to make boating easier, safer and more fun. Boater Rewards is dedicated to connecting boat and yacht owners to local and national resources that help them get the most out of their time on the water. Relationships with vendors, dealers and marinas allows the association to provide a one-stop shop for insurance and industry-leading perks, including educational resources and discounts on products. For more information, email info@boaterrewards.com
