October 15, 2025
National Women’s Sailing Association Announces Recipients of Mariners Learning System Captain's License Scholarships
The National Women's Sailing Association (NWSA) is proud to partner with Mariners Learning System (MLS) to support women advancing toward their first U.S. Coast Guard Captain's License. Through this new scholarship initiative, eight recipients were selected by NWSA from a pool of 24 applicants to receive a complete Mariners Learning System online course.
This partnership came to life through the leadership of Sami Inman, Vice President of Operations at Mariners Learning System, who was instrumental in establishing and implementing the scholarship program. Inman worked closely with NWSA to design the scholarship framework, coordinate the application and selection process, and oversee the launch of the inaugural group of recipients. She will also assist the scholarship winners as they begin their courses and, where applicable, their Auxiliary Sailing Endorsement training.
Each scholarship provides complete access to Mariners Learning System's Coast Guard–approved Captain's License course, valued at approximately $900. Students will complete their training entirely online, with up to one year to finish at their own pace.
NWSA President Debby Grimm shared, “This generous partnership with Mariners Learning System is unprecedented and will make a lasting difference in each student's career. Each course offers a significant boost to women pursuing credentials that allow them to teach, lead, and work professionally in a wide range of maritime roles.”
Sami Inman, Vice President of Operations at Mariners Learning System, added, “We're honored to partner with NWSA to help more women turn their maritime experience into a professional opportunity.
This program reflects our shared belief that when education is accessible, confidence and leadership naturally follow.”
NWSA and MLS congratulate the following recipients:
• Deia Davis, Santa Monica, CA
• Amanda Egner, Beverly Hills, FL
• Elizabeth Grim, Seattle, WA
• Sarah Hoffman, Dallas, TX
• Anica Miller-Rushing, Mount Desert, ME
• Donna Steinbach, Big Pine Key, FL
• Mary Stift, Bellingham, WA
• Corah Walker, Shaver Lake, CA
NWSA invites members and the sailing community to follow the progress of these women as they complete their training and put their new credentials to work in the maritime industry.
To learn more about Mariners Learning System’s professional and recreational boating courses, visit https://marinerslearningsystem.com. To learn more about NWSA efforts to enhance the lives of women through the sport of sailing please visit: www.womensailing.org
NWSA members can receive exclusive discounts on all MLS courses by purchasing through the NWSA Member Landing Page at https://viethconsulting.com/members/mlogin.php.
About National Women’s Sailing Association: Founded in 1990 by National Sailing Hall of Fame sailor Doris Colgate, the National Women’s Sailing Association is a program of the Women’s Sailing Foundation, Inc. a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in the U.S. It maintains the mission of providing education, programming and support for women sailors of all ages and backgrounds. The organization seeks to help women find community and mentorship among their peers, as well as create leadership and education opportunities. Through membership, donations and sponsorship, they continue to maintain AdventureSail®, a program designed for girls who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to discover the joys of sailing, the Learn to Sail Youth Sailing Scholarship, the Sue Corl Sailing Scholarship, Gail Hine NWSA Conference Scholarship, and the BoatUS/NWSA Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award. For more information visit https://www.womensailing.org. Follow on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIN.
About Mariners Learning System (MLS): Founded in 2002 by Captain Robert Figular, Mariners Learning System began by offering in-person captain’s license classes that challenged the traditional “sandwich style” of training. In 2005, MLS pioneered a new model and became the first program in the country approved by the U.S. Coast Guard to offer captain’s license courses online - and later, the first to provide approved online testing. Today, MLS delivers flexible, self-paced Coast Guard–approved licensing programs, along with recreational boating courses that enhance safety, navigation, and seamanship. Our mission remains the same: to make high-quality maritime education accessible, affordable, and effective for every mariner. For more information, visit https://marinerslearningsystem.com, and follow MLS on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube.