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My Coast Guard
Commentary | Feb. 7, 2024

Coast Guard Foundation Scholarships 2024 Open Season is here!

By Coast Guard Foundation

It’s that time of year to complete and submit your Coast Guard Foundation Scholarship applications, between Feb 1-  April 1, 2024, to be considered for a scholarship for the 2024-2025 school year. The merit-based scholarships range in value from $2,500-$5,000 annually. Eligible applicants may apply for up to four years of undergraduate study.

2023 was a record year for our scholarship program. We awarded 186 scholarships valued at $645,000. This year, we expect to award even more scholarships to deserving Coast Guard college-age children.

Our scholarships benefit the dependents of enlisted members and commissioned officers who are active duty, reserve or retired. A unique scholarship is also available for Aviation Logistics Command Elizabeth City Coast Guard families.

College-Age Children of Enlisted Coast Guard Members:

  • Applications must be submitted online through our scholarship portal at coastguardfoundation.org/apply. Search for the application: 2024 Coast Guard Foundation Enlisted Member Dependent Scholarship - First Time Applicants
  • Applicants applying for the first time must complete basic bio data, provide details on your community service and extracurricular involvement, answer three short personal essay questions, and upload details from your FAFSA form. A letter of recommendation, transcript, and Coast Guard dependent status are required and are submitted directly by your schools and your Coast Guard sponsor, respectively.
  • If you received a Coast Guard Foundation scholarship in the last three years and are currently enrolled in college or trade school, you may apply for a scholarship as a returning student. This application requires basic bio data, an update on your community service and extracurricular involvement, answers to three short personal essay questions,, and a FAFSA report. Search for the application: 2024 Coast Guard Foundation Enlisted Member Dependent Scholarship - Returning Applicants
  • We require the Student Aid Index (SAI) Report from the FAFSA because need is a factor in determining award levels.
  • Funding for the CGF scholarship program is made possible with the support of more than 38 named scholarships, proceeds from two golf tournaments, and hundreds of generous donors who see the value of investing in education. We are grateful.

College-Age Children of Commissioned Coast Guard Officers:

  • Applications must be submitted online through our scholarship portal at coastguardfoundation.org/apply. Search for the application: 2024 Coast Guard Foundation Children of Commissioned Officers Application - First Time Applicants
  • Applicants applying for the first time must complete basic bio data, provide details on your community service and extracurricular involvement, answer three short personal essay questions, and upload details from your FAFSA form. A letter of recommendation, transcript, and Coast Guard dependent status are required and are submitted directly by your schools and your Coast Guard sponsor, respectively.
  • If you received a Coast Guard Foundation scholarship in the last three years and are currently enrolled in college or trade school, you may apply for a scholarship as a returning student. This application requires basic bio data, an update on your community service and extracurricular involvement, answers to three short personal essay questions,, and a FAFSA report. Search for the application: 2024 Coast Guard Foundation Children of Commissioned Officers Application - Returning Applicants
  • We require the Student Aid Index (SAI) Report from the FAFSA because need is a factor in determining award levels.
  • Funding for scholarships for the dependents of commissioned Coast Guard officers comes from a variety of CGF efforts, including the ADM Robert J. Kramek scholarship fund, named in honor of the Coast Guard's 20th commandant, and the Eight Bells Scholarship fund, provided through the generosity of maritime historian and author William H. White.

CAPT Ernest W. Fox Perpetual Scholarship for ALC Elizabeth City:

  • This scholarship is open to qualified active-duty Coast Guard, civil service employees or their dependents (child or spouse) at the Coast Guard Aviation Logistic Center.
  • The scholarship may be used for preparatory, collegiate, postgraduate, professional, and vocational education, formal, or informal training that develops the talents and potential of the beneficiary.
  • Applications must be submitted online through our scholarship portal at coastguardfoundation.org/apply.
  • Applicants must complete basic bio data, provide details on your community service and extracurricular involvement, answer three short personal essay questions, and upload details from your FAFSA form. A letter of recommendation, transcript and Coast Guard dependent status are required and are submitted directly by your schools and your Coast Guard sponsor, respectively.
  • If you received a Coast Guard Foundation Fox scholarship in the last three years and are currently enrolled in college or trade school and attached to the ALC in Elizabeth City, you may apply for the Fox scholarship using this same application form.
  • We require the Student Aid Index (SAI) Report from the FAFSA because need is a factor in determining award levels.
  • The Fox family established this annual perpetual scholarship to honor the memory of their late son and brother Captain Ernest W. Fox, and to show their appreciation to the people who work at the Coast Guard Aviation Logistics Center. Thank you!

All interested high school seniors and college-age children of Coast Guard members should check eligibility requirements and application instructions at coastguardfoundation.org/apply.

The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization, is committed to strengthening the Coast Guard community and service by supporting members and families.

-USCG-

Resources:

Apply for Scholarships here:

Coast Guard Foundation Scholarship Website