SWFMIA

The Marine Industries Association of Southwest Florida & Tampa Bay offers scholarships to immediate family of members and their employees.  Scholarships are open to graduating high school seniors or to students currently enrolled in a college or post-secondary trade or vocational school.

Scholarships are awarded each year in memory of two of the association's most active and respected members, Captain Ed Hansen and Tom Nichols.  Each year, the association board of directors will award these two named scholarships based upon the qualities of the applicants. 

Additional scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
*The application process is the same as listed below for all scholarships.

CAPTAIN ED HANSEN SCHOLARSHIP

Capt. Ed Hansen, a founding member of the Marine Industries Association of Southwest Florida and Tampa Bay, was a larger-than-life Fort Myers native.  For 35 years Capt. Ed served as Dockmaster of the City of Fort Myers Yacht Basin.  He was a husband, a father, an avid outdoorsman, and a tireless friend to boaters and the Marine Industry.  He was well known in political circles around the state as an advocate for boating interests and made lasting contributions to the boating lifestyle in Southwest Florida.

TOM NICHOLS SCHOLARSHIP

Tom Nichols and his partner Frank Porter built Bonita Boat Center into one of the most successful and respected marine dealerships in Southwest Florida.  Tom was active on the Association’s Board of Directors for many years, serving multiple terms as both president and Boat Show Chairman.  He played a key role in the growth and success of the Ft. Myers Boat Show.  Tom was truly one of the good guys.  He personified the highest standards as a business owner and worked tirelessly to grow and promote boating, always ready with a smile to serve his customers or lend a hand to another dealer.  

Scholarship awards are $1,000.00 per award.  Students are eligible to apply for 4 (four) consecutive academic years following high school graduation.  Each application is subject to Board approval.  June 1^st of each year is the application deadline to be considered.

Qualifications: GPA: 3.0 or higher on 4.0 scale

General:
Candidate must be a graduating high school senior or current student attending a college or post-secondary trade or vocational school  who is either an:

• Immediate family member (child, spouse) of a member in good standing of the Marine Industries Association of Southwest Florida & Tampa Bay
• Immediate family member (child, spouse) of an individual currently employed by a member or business in good standing of the Marine Industries Association of Southwest Florida & Tampa Bay

* NOTE: The member/business under which the candidate qualifies must be listed as the candidate's sponsor.

• Candidate must display and provide confirmation of good work ethics, school attendance, civic and extra curricular activities, and leadership skills.
• Candidate must provide a minimum 500 word essay detailing their educational plans and future occupational goals.

All eligibility questions should be addressed to the MIA of SWFL & TB Board of Directors.

Scholarship Length: One-time award
Submission Deadline: June 1st
Method of Payment: By check to institution after proof of enrollment is provided to MIA of SWFL & TB Board of Directors
Application Process: Candidate must submit application form, one letter of recommendation, essay as described above, and supporting materials by June 1st to the following address:
MIA of SWFL & TB - Scholarship
P.O. Box 50025
Lighthouse Point, FL 33074

To apply for a scholarship, please use the online form below.