GABRIELLA INMAN, PHOTO COURTESY OF MARINE BOATING INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION
TAYLOR OSELKA, PHOTO COURTESY OF MARINE BOATING INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION
TYLER WATERS, PHOTO COURTESY OF MARINE BOATING INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION
Since its inception in 1986 by the Michigan Boating Industries Association (MBIA), the Recreational Boating Industries Educational Foundation (RBIEF) has distributed over $409,000 to individuals looking to build careers in the marine industry.
This year, RBIEF awarded $18,500 to 10 students, more than doubling its scholarship distribution from last year, and helping advance opportunities for training benefiting the Michigan marine industry. Donations were made possible by continuing contributions from the MBIA, as well as generous contributions from Walstrom Marine and Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales.
“An investment in students seeking boating industry careers is an investment in the future of our industry,” says Nicki Polan, executive director of MBIA and RBIEF director. “MBIA continues to prioritize the development of the marine workforce in Michigan, partnering in the opening of two marine tech programs and being the connection between education programs and our industry members.”
Scholarships are awarded to college students interested in the marine industry, as well as MBIA members and their employees seeking further education.
“Michigan supports the third largest recreational boating market in the country and needs qualified, educated individuals to continue our leadership role,” says RBIEF President Jim Coburn, of The Coburn Consulting Company.
2021 RBIEF scholarship recipients are:
- Tyler Waters – Gregory P. Krueger Scholarship
- Gretchen Hambrick – Brenda Andrews Scholarship
- Hunter Hambrick – Brenda Andrews Scholarship
- Josh Cooper
- Gage Gruever
- Mitchell Hilbrandt
- Gabriella Inman
- Noel King
- Caleb Kohlman
- Taylor Oselka
To learn more, visit mbia.org/page/rbief.
