MRAA Accepting Applications and Nominations for Scholarships and Awards

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, Florida. Scholarship and award information can be found in the MRAA Educational Foundation on MRAA.com.

The 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 September 15.

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, Minnesota, 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 MRAA Educational Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, also accepts donations to support its scholarship and training programs.