PRESS RELEASE: SPIRIT LAKE GRADUATE AWARDED MAU MARINE LAUNCH SCHOLARSHIP TO BEGIN MARINE TECHNOLOGY CAREER
EMMETSBURG, Iowa – Iowa Lakes Community College and Mau Marine are proud to announce that Jax Bejarno, a graduate of Spirit Lake High School, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026-27 Mau Marine Launch Scholarship.
The Launch Scholarship is a unique partnership between Iowa Lakes Community College’s Boat & Watercraft Technician program and Mau Marine that prepares the next generation of marine technicians through a combination of classroom education, paid industry experience, mentorship, and financial support.
As the scholarship recipient, Bejarno will complete the Boat & Watercraft Technician program at Iowa Lakes while gaining hands-on experience through a paid internship in Mau Marine’s service department following the first year of coursework. In addition to real-world training alongside master-level technicians, the scholarship provides second-year tuition assistance, helping students build successful careers in the growing marine industry.
“We’re excited to welcome Jax into the Mau Marine family and invest in his future,” said Julie Andres, co-owner of Mau Marine. “The Launch Scholarship is designed to connect motivated students with meaningful career opportunities while strengthening the next generation of skilled marine technicians.”
Susan Mau, co-owner of Mau Marine, added, “Our partnership with Iowa Lakes allows us to mentor talented students as they develop the technical skills and professionalism needed to succeed in the boating industry. We’re looking forward to seeing Jax grow through this experience.”
The Marine Technology program at Iowa Lakes Community College combines comprehensive classroom instruction with extensive hands-on training, preparing students for careers servicing and repairing today’s increasingly sophisticated watercraft and marine systems.
“The Launch Scholarship is an outstanding example of how partnerships with industry create life-changing opportunities for our students,” said Stacey Benson, Dean of Career & Technical Education & Workforce at Iowa Lakes Community College. “Students like Jax graduate with valuable experience, professional connections, and the confidence to step directly into high-demand careers.”
Rick Brichta, Boat & Watercraft Technician Program Coordinator/Instructor, said “Bejarno’s enthusiasm and work ethic make him an excellent fit for the program.”
“Jax has demonstrated a genuine passion for the marine industry and a willingness to learn,” Brichta said. “We’re excited to help him develop the skills and experience that will serve him throughout his career.”
The Mau Marine Launch Scholarship reflects a shared commitment to developing skilled technicians by combining education, mentorship, and real-world experience, ensuring students are prepared to meet the evolving needs of the boating industry while building rewarding careers close to home.
For more information about the Boat & Watercraft Technician program at Iowa Lakes, visit www.iowalakes.edu. For career opportunities at Mau Marine, visit www.maucareers.com.