Mission

The MRAA Educational Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation, was founded in 2004 to provide financial support for education, training and professional development in the recreational marine trades.

MRAA recognizes the need to provide for the growth of our dealerships and the professional development of their employees.

MRAA and the MRAA Educational Foundation, are dedicated to the growth of the recreational marine industry through workforce development.

Scholarships

Technical Scholarship

The purpose of this scholarship is to offer financial assistance for technical training of dealership personnel, and is awarded to state/regional marine trades associations. This scholarship was underwritten initially by the OMC Foundation.

The state/regional marine trades association must match the scholarship funds and select the recipient. The state/regional marine trades association must be a member in good standing of MRAA to apply for this scholarship.

Kevin Lodder Scholarship

This scholarship was founded in memory of Kevin Lodder, Lodder Marine, Fairfield, Ohio. Kevin was dedicated to the marine business. The recipients of this scholarship will receive tuition to attend the Spader Total Management Workshop.

State/regional marine trades associations and members of the MRAA/Spader 20 Groups nominate dealerships for this scholarship.

Application forms and more information HERE

MRAA / ABYC Scholarship

Scholarship for $895 may be awarded any time throughout the year. Recipients will be subject to the following criteria.

- The scholarship will be award to dealerships that are MRAA Members is good standing.

- The member dealership can sponsor any of their employees

In any given year, no more than one scholarship will be given to a dealership. The MRAA Educational Foundation selection process is non-discriminatory for sex, race, color, physical handicaps, health or religion. The MRAA Educational Scholarship runs January through December. Applications may be received at any time, but for one scholarship year at a time and should not be expected to be carried over the next scholarship year.

The scholarship will be limited to course fees, the study guide and the certification examination. No other costs are included with this scholarship.

Only one scholarship is allowed per member dealership per year. This does not exclude reapplying in subsequent years. The dealership that is awarded this scholarship shall submit a written report to the MRAA Educational Foundation at the end of the course for which the scholarship was awarded indicating the substance and value received from the course and how the course attendee will use this knowledge in his/her professional life in the marine industry.

Application forms and more information HERE

Darlene Briggs Marine Woman of the Year Award

The late Darlene Briggs of Wayzata, Minnesota was admired for her tireless dedication to the marine industry. To honor her memory, the Darlene Briggs Marine Woman of the Year Award was established. It is presented annually to an outstanding woman who is actively involved in the marine industry at any level. It recognizes long and devoted service, untiring commitment and the advancement of women in the marine business.

Anyone in the marine industry can nominate an individual woman currently employed in the marine industry - dealership, marina, or manufacturer.

Upon review of the nominations by the Briggs Committee, the individual selected is presented with the Darlene Briggs Woman of the Year Award at the MRAA Annual Convention along with $1,000 to be used to further her education.

If paying by check, send to:

MRAA Educational Foundation
PO Box 1127
Oak Park, IL 60304
Phone: 708-763-9210
Fax: 708-763-9236

Or you can donate by Credit Card using our Secure Donation Form.

Thank you!