Student Scholarships - Marine Trades Institute

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Student Scholarships

Marine Trades Institute Scholarships

Scholarship opportunities are available through Marine Trades Institute to assist qualified students based on both financial need and/or merit and we encourage every student to apply! Curious about what scholarships are available? Check below for a sample of the Marine Trades Institute scholarships available to qualifying Marine Trades Institute students!

Up to $5,000

The ACBS Scholarship supports students who are seriously interested in developing and perfecting the knowledge and skills needed for the preservation, restoration and construction of vintage boats, thereby sustaining our classic boat heritage. 

Up to $3,000

The Harding Family formed the Duke Harding Memorial Fund to provide an annual scholarship to one student attending Marine Trades Institute. Both demonstrated need and merit are considered in the selection of this scholarship.

Up to $2,000

This scholarship fund honors George Nickels, who spent his life in the Great Lakes sailing community, overseeing the construction of over 1,400 Lightning Class sailboats and hundreds of Rebel Class vessels. He was a master of wood and fiberglass, but he was even better known for his “helping hand” approach to life. This scholarship will support students training in the Comprehensive Career Boat Building Program. 

Funding Dependent

Includes  the Thomas “Tommy” Mertaugh Memorial Scholarship, Bonnie Mikkelsen Scholarship, George Henry Nickels and Les and Jackie Stiner Memorial Scholarship

Up to $5,000

These scholarships, which are provided through the generous gifts of donors, are awarded to students through a number of criteria.

$1,000

The Marlene E. Kennedy Scholarship will provide an annual scholarship to one student attending Marine Trades Institute. This scholarship is available to students from Mackinac, Chippewa, and Luce counties in Michigan.

$2,100

In Memory of Michael Kletti, a lifelong boating enthusiast, mastering both sailing and powerboating. This scholarship will be awarded to a student in any program at Marine Trades Institute. 

$3,000

The Rae Taylor Memorial Scholarship will provide an annual scholarship to one student attending Marine Trades Institute. Both demonstrated need and merit are considered in the selection of this scholarship.

Two $11,000 scholarships

Two (2) $5,000 Scholarships

Safe Harbor Marinas (SHM) is the largest owner and operator of marinas in the world. As a fast-growing company, SHM cultivates a team dynamic of passionate individuals led by the sharpest minds in the industry in order to serve the vibrant boating community that encompasses the SHM network. The purpose of this award is to benefit and support two students enrolled in the Marine Service Technology Program (MST) at Marine Trades Institute.

$1,000

In Memory of Sally DeMaria, an avid sailor who not only taught sailing, but was a co-Captain, navigation specialist, boat fixer, sail manager, and a mom of three daughters. This scholarship will be awarded to a student in the Comprehensive Career Boat Building Program. 

The Scholarship Committee will consider students for all scholarships for which they qualify. Scholarship applicants must complete the FAFSA or submit federal tax forms. The next Scholarship Application Deadline is June 8, 2026. Late applications will be considered as funds are available.

Apply for Scholarships
COMPLETE THE FAFSA

External Scholarships

Students who receive additional scholarships through outside organizations are able to use those to help pay for tuition costs at Marine Trades Institute. If you have a question about an external scholarship not listed below, please reach out to the Financial Aid Office today!

Completing the Dream Scholarship International Marine Electronics Association Scholarship Mike Rowe Work Ethic Scholarship National Marine Representatives Association (NMRA) Scholarship
Recreational Boating Industries Educational Fund (RBIEF) TechForce Foundation Scholarships Van Dam Custom Boats/Boyne Boat Yard Scholarship 4Front Foundation Trade Scholarship

Support our Students!

Scholarships fuel student success by breaking down financial barriers, allowing future marine professionals to focus entirely on their training. We are deeply grateful to the donors, families, industry partners, and businesses whose generosity funds these vital opportunities. By donating to any of the funds listed above, you directly invest in a student’s future; gifts to endowed funds grow the principal investment to generate long-term scholarship interest, while contributions to un-endowed accounts go directly toward immediate student awards. To learn more about how you can make a difference, please contact Kelly Emigh at Kelly.Emigh@marinetrades.edu.

Pam Zegunis

Amazing Alumni

The knowledge of the staff and their willingness to share knowledge and first-hand accounts is unparalleled and appreciated. I never once felt like an instructor was just reciting from a book.

Pam Zegunis | '25 Comprehensive Career Boat Building Graduate

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