The MRAA Educational Foundation and the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) announced today that they have partnered to provide scholarships to attend any one of eight (8) ABYC technical workforce training and certification courses offered throughout the United States and Canada. These scholarships will be available to any and all MRAA members in good standing, and will include course fees, the study guide and the certification examination free of charge to those awarded the scholarship. A total of ten (10) scholarships worth up to $849 each will be awarded and will be honored through December 31, 2010.

You can apply online HERE.

Ed Lofgren, MRAA Educational Foundation president, commented, "The ABYC technical workforce training and certification courses are 'just what the doctor ordered' for our industry. These courses will provide much needed training opportunities for technicians and others in the recreational marine trades, resulting in improved levels of expertise and subsequently, improved performance on the job. MRAA is delighted to participate with ABYC in providing these scholarships."

ABYCs President, Skip Burdon stated "We are both honored and proud to work with the MRAA Education Foundation in offering these industry technical workforce certification course scholarships." He continued, "I know the value both MRAA and its Education Foundation place on having a technically proficient workforce and we know this scholarship opportunity will assist industry towards achieving that goal."

The MRAA Educational Foundation provides financial support for education, training and professional development in the recreational marine trades. MRAA recognizes the need to provide for the growth of the retail dealerships and the professional development of the dealership employees. MRAA and the MRAA Educational Foundation are dedicated to the growth of the recreational marine industry through workforce development.

ABYC offers technical training courses that progress from basic to advanced, and includes eight marine industry workforce certifications for marine technicians and professionals. To schedule an On-Site course, or to receive more information on customized training programs, scholarship partnership opportunities contact Michael New at (410) 990-4460, ext. 31 or via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

For a listing of regularly scheduled ABYC Certification courses and other training programs, please visit www.abycinc.org.

ABYC has been developing, writing and updating the safety standards for boat building and repair in the United States for 55 years. ABYC is actively involved with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) as well as certification programs for marine technicians. These standards are available on CD-ROM, in printed form and 24/7 online using either WebSTIR or RuleFinder. Membership and general information can be requested by calling (410) 990-4460 or by visiting the ABYC web site at www.abycinc.org.

MRAA Educational Foundation and American Boat & Yacht Council

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.