IMEA Awards Two Scholarships to Marine Trade School Students

SEVERNA PARK, MD—The International Marine Electronics Alliance (IMEA), a 501 (c) (3) supporting organization of the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA), has awarded two marine electronics industry scholarships to students currently enrolled in marine trade school technology programs.

Tyler Perlow, of Kingsborough Community College in Brooklyn, New York was awarded a $2,500 scholarship along with free attendance to both NMEA basic installer certification training classes. Tyler is working toward becoming a marine technician and achieving a degree in marine technology while also studying as an apprentice at Strong’s Marine. This program, through the state of New York, allows Tyler to work as a technician alongside master mechanics and also attend marine classes at Kingsborough once a week. Because of the hands-on experience plus classes, he has worked on a variety of different components such as marine electronics, electrical, engine, pod and drive installations, engine part replacement, spring commissions, and boat operation. Tyler’s goal is to achieve his 4-year degree in marine technology.

Shane Eubank from Skagit Valley College in Anacortes, Washington was awarded a $2,500 scholarship along with free attendance to both NMEA basic installer certification training classes. The SVC Marine Maintenance Program covers everything from inboards and outboards to fiberglass repair, sanitation devices, electrical systems, and marine electronics. Shane has already achieved ABYC Electrical and NMEA Marine Electronics Installer certification. Shane’s plan is to move to Boothbay Harbor in Maine and become immersed in the rich maritime culture working as an electrical systems and electronics technician in one of the small marine shops that serve the local community.

“IMEA sincerely thanks our donors who have contributed to the launch of the IMEA scholarship program,” said IMEA Board Chairman, John Barry. “Furthermore, we encourage others in the marine electronics industry to step forward and financially support this program that encourages new people to enter our industry, as attracting and keeping the next generation of marine electronics professionals is a big task. The IMEA Scholarship program furthers this mission, and we ask you to join us by contributing your time or money to a cause close to all of us.” Barry added.

The 2022 IMEA Scholarship program will be announced early next year and will include virtual or in-person attendance at the NMEA Marine Electronics Installer Certification training courses including the Basic Marine Electronics Installer Training (MEI) and Basic NMEA 2000 Installer Training. On top of these training offerings, tuition payments will be made directly to the trade school in the recipient’s name to offset tuition costs. Any member of the general public can apply for these scholarships. All applicants will be considered, reviewed, and two or more recipients will be selected by the IMEA Board of Directors. The 2022 scholarship will be awarded on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, at the NMEA Conference Awards Banquet, Sheraton Park Hotel, Anaheim, California.

If any donor has additional questions, they may contact IMEA at [email protected] or by calling 410-975-9425. Donations can be made by check to IMEA, 846 Ritchie Hwy., Suite L4, Severna Park MD, 21146. The IMEA EIN is 47-3074506 and additional information is publicly available on the irs.gov website.