The Recreational Boating Industries Educational Foundation (RBIEF) more than doubled the amount of funds distributed this year compared to years past, as qualified applicants express keen interest in careers in the marine industry. The Foundation awarded $18,500 in scholarship funds to 10 students, according to boatingindustry.com. 

The RBIEF scholarship fund was developed in 1986 by the Michigan Boating Industries Association (MBIA) to advance 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 scholarship applications can be submitted year-round. With this year’s awards, RBEIF has now distributed $409,000.

MBIA is a statewide nonprofit organization representing more than 350 marine businesses in Michigan. The Michigan boating industry has a $7.8 billion annual economic impact on the state, with nearly 1,500 marine businesses and 40,000 jobs. For more information, visit www.mbia.org.