NEWS RELEASE
GREAT LAKES BOAT BUILDING SCHOOL
**************************
The Board of Directors and leadership of Great Lakes Boat Building School (GLBBS) were recently notified of the approval of a $354,600 Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) awarded by the United States Department of Agriculture. The school applied for the support as part of their “Enhancing Education with Equipment” (EEE) campaign, a top priority at GLBBS to provide their students with new marine equipment and technology for skilled trades training.
GLBBS is the only marine trades institution in the Great Lakes region. The grant funding comes at a very opportune time as GLBBS enrollment has increased to 29 students, the largest class in the school’s history.
New marine equipment and technology are required to deliver more advanced Mercury University certification levels. GLBBS would be the second marine trades institution in the country to offer this much needed training. The other institution is in Florida. Also, due to demand from the industry, GLBBS is offering industry relevant Ilmor Engineering and Volvo Penta diesel curriculum which requires additional specialized training. Graduates with these certifications will help address the dire workforce shortage in Michigan's marine industry.
“Our entire team was absolutely thrilled when Tom Coates, our Director of Development received notification that our application scored well and was approved,” said Nikki Storey, GLBBS President. “With our growing enrollment and strong demand for our students in the marine industry we must have the best and newest equipment available to teach the latest techniques in maintenance, troubleshooting and repairs. We are so appreciative to the USDA for recognizing the need and supporting us.”
“It was a rigorous but rewarding process working with Holly Thomma, our Business Programs Specialist from the USDA’s Gladstone area office,” said Coates. “When we had questions prior to applying for the grant, Holly was always very responsive and helpful. It was a pleasure having her visit the school recently as we met about the grant processing procedures.”
To date, Volvo Penta, Ilmor Engineering, the Marine Leadership Alliance, Gage Marine, National Marine Distributors Association and Interstate Power Systems have provided in-kind or monetary support. Inquiries can be made by email or by calling (906) 484-1081.
“One of the criteria USDA personnel consider during the application evaluation process is the percent of non-federal funding committed to the project,” said Brandon Fewins, USDA Rural Development State Director for Michigan. “Great Lakes Boat Building School is developing the type of public-private partnership with their donors and the USDA that supports the mission of Rural Development, to increase the economic well-being and quality of life for people and communities in rural Michigan.”
More information about Great Lakes Boat Building School and its programs can be found online.
***********************
