Mud Hole Education Program & CCA Florida Partner for Multi-Year Scholarship Program

College Scholarship Funds Donated in Remembrance of Former Mud Hole Employee.

 

After a successful 2022 program launch, on March 9th, 2023, Mud Hole Custom Tackle announced a continuation of its scholarship partnership with Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Florida through the 2025/2026 school year. Click here for the official press release.

Off to a Great Start!

2022 was the inaugural year of the CCA Youth Scholarship Program presented by the Mud Hole Education Program and saw tremendous success. Selected students from across Florida participated in five days of environmental conservation education activities and competitions, with the three top performers walking away with a combined $6,000 in college funding. All participants are currently competing for the Grand Prize of $5,000 by implementing CCA initiatives in their home communities, with the winner being announced next month (April, 2023).  For more information regarding the 2022 program, click here).

A Long-Term Commitment to Education

Given the success of the 2022 scholarship initiative and the continuing growth of the Mud Hole Education Program, it only made sense for Mud Hole to commit to supporting the program in 2023 and beyond, signing a 3-year agreement.

“The impact of the CCA Youth Scholarship initiative last year was so positive that we wanted to continue our investment into the future of Florida high schoolers. It’s a great way to reach and reward deserving students and it aligns perfectly with our larger Education Program efforts, bringing custom rod building to schools and youth groups around the world” said Brook Oliva, Mud Hole Custom Tackle President. 

With professionally designed rod building lesson plans for teachers, significantly discounted pricing for tools, components, and supplies, and dedicated, professional staff, Mud Hole's Education Program has reached over 50,000 students from over 700 schools since 2008. Mud Hole works directly with teachers to implement rod building and tackle crafting activities into curriculum throughout the U.S, and in many countries abroad. For more information, click here. 

Honoring a Mud Hole Family Member

In addition to the multi-year commitment, Mud Hole is also designating the program's financial commitment as the Matt McGuffee College Scholarship Initiative. Matt (known to most as "Guff"), was a beloved former employee and Mud Hole family member who passed away in 2022 at a very young age.

Matt was loved by all and was an extremely witty and talented writer who penned many of Mud Hole's blogs and stories, managed Mud Hole's social media accounts, built amazing rods, and was always willing to step up to assist anyone on any project. Guff made such an impact on the Mud Hole family and everyone he met, that it was obvious that Mud Hole honor him as part of the scholarship program.

The top 3 students competing in this June's 5-day, hands-on, immersive program will be awarded $3,000, $2,000, and $1,000 from the Matt McGuffee College Scholarship Initiative. Scholarship winners are chosen based on a variety of qualifications, including creativity, focus, attention, and character, all of which were exemplified by Matt McGuffee.

Spread the Word!

If you know a high school sophomore or junior in the state of Florida that has a passion for our environment, make sure they apply for the CCA Florida Youth Scholarship Program by April 15, 2023. Together, Mud Hole & CCA Florida will continue to support the conservation-focused leaders of tomorrow.