New scholarship helps students at Great Lakes Boat Building School

What's happening: Students taking classes at one of Michigan’s unique trade schools have a new option to help with higher education costs. The Marlene E. Kennedy Scholarship will help students financially while attending the Great Lakes Boat Building School in pursuit of careers in the marine industry, such as marine technicians or carpenters. The school continues to grow while maintaining an almost 100 percent employment rate after graduation for the past seven years. 

The late Marlene E. Kennedy.Connecting to the local community: The scholarship is named after the late Marlene E. Kennedy, a longtime resident of Chippewa County in the Eastern Upper Peninsula. Marlene and her husband Stanley O. Kennedy Sr. have supported various educational pursuits in the region, especially those that are connected to the region, like the boat school. The creation of a local scholarship specific to Great Lakes Boat Building School shows the growth of the school and its importance to the community. The scholarship focuses on students from the Upper Peninsula, specifically the three eastern-most counties of Mackinac, Chippewa and Luce.   

What they're saying: “We are excited to provide this opportunity to residents in our community,” says Stanley O. Kennedy Jr. “Having the opportunity to receive top-notch training so close to home is an incredible opportunity for our (Eastern Upper Peninsula) students, many of whom have grown up on the water. We’re glad to support the education of our local students, it is important to us to give back to our community.” 

What's next: Students have until June 9 to apply for the 2024-25 scholarship. Qualifying students must have a minimum 2.25 GPA through high school or college and be enrolled as a full-time student at the boat building school.