Coast Guard Partnership in Education Program

Commandant's Partnership in Education Award Criteria

Draft from COMDTINST 5350.22B

The Partnership in Education Program Award recognizes the very best unit and collaborative partnership programs developed and/or maintained by a Coast Guard unit during the award period, 15 August through 30 June of each year.

1.  Award Categories:

1. The best unit partnership category includes any cooperative effort between a Coast Guard unit and a school.

2. The best collaborative partnership category includes an effort where one or more Coast Guard units coordinate with one or more community organizations to pool resources to assist one or more schools. 

2.  Eligibility:  All Coast Guard units that have entered into and/or have maintained an active unit partnership program or collaborative partnership program, as defined by 1a and b above, from 15 August through 30 June.  Each Coast Guard unit is allowed one nomination quota for each of the two award categories. 

3.  Selection Criteria:  A selection panel will be formed by Commandant (CG-00H) to review all nomination packages and to recommend the award recipients.  Factors such as unit size (large or small) and/or geographical location can be considered along with other partnership accomplishments by the selection panel.  Each nomination package submitted must reflect the unit's partnership activity and support the unit's stated accomplishments using one or more of the following criteria:

1. Quality Achievement.  The results of accomplished pre-stated goals and objectives, which show positive results for units and schools (e.g., improved test scores, increased morale among members of the units, increased student interest in class work and in Coast Guard missions, increased student attendance, and appreciated role models).

2. Excellence In Education.  Documented evidence of enhanced student learning in the areas of reading, math, the sciences, technology, and drug awareness (e.g., increased test scores, writing essays resulting in academic achievement awards, improved reading and writing skills, computer education programs, computer literacy programs, marine science projects, and programs on drug free America).

3. Improved Educational Opportunities.  Documentation of students' participation in classroom instruction from tutors, mentors, teacher assistants, lecturers, and expert guest speakers on various subject matter.  These improved opportunities can be unique classroom instruction, which encompasses science, engineering, and computer sciences.  Other activities can include off-site educational opportunities and improved learning environment (e.g., improved computer skills, computer literacy program, marine science projects, field trips, job shadowing, tours of facilities, and campus beautification projects).

4. Improved Coast Guard Visibility.  Documentation of sound relationships and liaison with various schools and local communities, and public understanding of the Coast Guard missions (e.g., special school and community events, open house and tours, positive working relationships with government/civic leaders, special recognition award to unit, and media coverage of partnership activities).

4.  Nomination Procedure:  All Coast Guard units should submit nominations through their chain of command to Directorate of Civil Rights (CG-00H).  The award period is from 15 August through 30 June of each year.  All nominations shall include the following information:

1. Category of nomination:  Unit or Collaborative.

2. Unit address, phone, fax number, and e-mail address.

3. PIE Coordinator name, phone number, fax number, and e-mail address.

4. Collaborative partner(s), address, and phone number of partner school(s).

5. Name, address, and phone number of partner school(s).

6. Number and age/grade of students participating in program.

7. Total number of Coast Guard personnel participating as volunteers in the program:  military, civilian, reservists, retirees, auxiliarists, or others. 

8. Approximate number of total volunteer hours during the award period.

9. A narrative description of the unit partnership or collaborative partnership program. The narrative should not exceed one single-spaced typed page and should address, at a minimum, the following areas:

1. Activities conducted and how they relate to the selection criteria in paragraph 3 above;

2. Innovative and unique approaches to Partnership in Education programs;

3. Demonstrated effectiveness in improving student academic, health/fitness, and/or citizenship performance.  If possible, attach a statement or evaluation provided by the school partner;

4. Other benefits realized from the program (e.g., benefits to volunteers, the unit, the community);

5. Local, state, or national recognition of the Partnership in Education Program or the school(s) (e.g., media articles and copies of certificates can be attached); and

6. The extent of cooperation for collaborative partnerships with public and/or private sector organizations (e.g., businesses, colleges, universities, churches, foundations, community groups, government, labor unions, media groups, hospitals, or other military services) to pool resources for partnership efforts.

10. All nominations for the Coast Guard Partnership in Education Awards should be forwarded to Civil Rights Directorate (CG-00H) by 30 August of the calendar year.