Great Lakes Boat Building School Boosts Equipment Campaign with Grant Funding

The Great Lakes Boat Building School has received a $354,000 Rural Business Development Grant by the United States Department of Agriculture, which the school applied for as part of its ongoing “Enhancing Education with Equipment” campaign. 

“Our entire team was absolutely thrilled when Tom Coates, our Director of Development received notification that our application scored well and was approved,” saus 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.”

As the only marine trades institution in the Great Lakes area, GLBBS is receiving the grant at the ideal time, with enrollment increasing to 29 students — the largest class in the school’s history. The grant will help support the purchase of new equipment and technology that will allow for more advanced Mercury University certification levels and Ilmor Engineering and Volvo Penta diesel curriculum.

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 to the school.

“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.”

To learn more, visit glbbs.edu.