RBIEF Awards Scholarships to Michigan Students

The Recreational Boating Industries Educational Foundation (RBIEF) distributed $28,500 this year to qualified applicants expressing interest in careers in the marine industry. The Foundation awarded scholarship funds to 20 students.

The RBIEF scholarship fund was developed in 1986 by the Michigan Boating Industries Association (MBIA) with the mission of advancing opportunities for scholarships and training benefiting Michigan’s marine industry. Traditional scholarships are awarded to college students interested in a career in the marine industry, as well as current MBIA members and their employees for industry conferences, certifications and other training programs. advancing opportunities for scholarships and training benefiting Michigan’s marine industry. Traditional scholarships are awarded to college students interested in a career in the marine industry, as well as current MBIA members and their employees for industry conferences, certifications, and other training programs.

Continuing education “industry” scholarship applications can be submitted year-round and are available on mbia.org. With this year’s awards, RBIEF has now distributed $460,617 to deserving recipients.

The June 2024 Board Meeting inspired generous donations from benefactors Rob McCarthy, Skipper Buds, Torre Miller, Diesel Fuel Doctor, Amy Krueger Malow, Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales, and Pete Beauregard, Colony Marine, along with a $30,000 contribution from the MBIA. RBIEF Board members encourage everyone to donate as well. Contributions are tax deductible. To donate and find out more about RBIEF, visit mbia.org/rbief. Retiring technicians interested in teaching should reach out to MBIA at 734.261.0123. MBIA is a state-wide, non-profit organization representing more than 350 marine businesses in Michigan. The boating industry in Michigan represents a $11.7 billion economic impact in Michigan, nearly 1,500 marine businesses and nearly 58,000 jobs.