Enhancing Education with Equipment

The Priority

New marine equipment and technology are required to deliver Mercury University’s Level II Technician certification. Great Lakes Boat Building School (GLBBS) would be the second marine trades institution in the country to offer this specialized and much needed training. The other institution is in Florida. Also, due to demand from the industry, GLBBS will offer Ilmor Engineering and Volvo Penta diesel curriculum which requires additional equipment. Graduates with these certifications will help address the dire workforce shortage in the marine industry.

 

The Need

In the coming months, construction will commence on the 10,000 sq. ft. Marine Technology Center (MTC). We need to equip this facility with the best equipment and technology. We are seeking in-kind or monetary support with the goal of $850,000 to “enhance the education” of our students.

 

Key Great Lakes Boat Building School Facts

Placement:
100% placement the past seven years.

Military Veterans:
Last year 30% of our students were veterans.
GLBBS achieved Silver Status with Michigan Military Affairs as a military-friendly institution.

Growth:
2023-24 Marine Service Technology (MST) class will be the biggest in school history.
Enrollment has grown 58% in the MST program this year.
New MTC facility will provide capacity to grow to 50 students per year
Marine Electronics Technology program is under development

Transforming Lives:
Most students have blue collar, low-to moderate income backgrounds 2022-23 87% of students receive financial aid

 

The Campaign

A detailed list of the equipment has been compiled by GLBBS faculty in consultation with leaders in the marine industry. In-kind donations of this equipment are welcomed as well as monetary donations to purchase equipment. Here are the results to date in this ambitious campaign.

Goal: $850,000
Total Raised: $639,519
% to Goal: 75%
Remaining: $210,481

Supporters to Date:
United States Department of Agriculture $354,600
Ilmor Engineering $150,000
Volvo Penta $71,796
National Marine Distributors Association $25,000
Interstate Power Systems/Kohler Co. $24,623
Marine Leadership Alliance $10,000
Gage Marine $3,500

 

Call to Action

For additional information or to donate equipment, please contact Thomas Coates, Director of Development, at thomas.coates@glbbs.edu or (906) 440-3978.