Recognizing the value of education and the benefits it brings to the Coast Guard Family, the Coast Guard Exchange System (CGES) Scholarship Program was established to provide additional financial resources to dependent children of Coast Guard personnel embarking on undergraduate college/university studies. Annually a $1,500 scholarship is awarded to the outstanding applicant, $750 to the first runner-up, and $500 to the second runner-up. Scholarships are awarded on a one-time basis.
Eligibility. The Program provides scholarship to students who are dependents of Coast Guard active duty, reserve, and military retired members, current civilian NAF and APF employees, and current Coast Guard Auxiliarists that meet the following eligibility requirements:
The applicant must be in the last year of high school or home schooling and scheduled to graduate and attend college full-time during the subsequent year. Those who have already graduated are not eligible to apply.
Students must plan to attend an accredited college or university for undergraduate studies. Scholarships will not be awarded for participation in nonacademic and/or certified programs. Students accepting appointments to USAFA, USNA, USMA, USCGA, or USMMA are not eligible.
Award Criteria. CGES scholarships are awarded based upon academic achievement, accomplishments, interests, participation, and demonstrated leadership in both school-oriented and community volunteer activities.
To Apply.
Applicants must submit a completed CGES Scholarship Application. Click here to obtain a form.
In addition to the completed application, the following documents must be submitted:
Official academic transcript to include the first semester of the senior year. (Arrangements may be made with the applicant's high school to submit the student's academic transcript directly to the CGES Scholarship Committee. The transcript should reflect the applicant's exact or approximate class ranking; omission results is an incomplete application).
Home schooled applicants should submit the current year-end standardized test results such as IOWA Basic Skills Test, Stanford Achievement Test, or other such tests if available, and S.A.T. or A.C.T. scores if taken. (Applicant may submit a photocopy of these scores or opt to have the testing agency forward the results directly to the CGES Scholarship Committee at the address below).
A short single-spaced essay, not to exceed one typewritten page, explaining what the applicant hopes to achieve in his/her college career, including educational, professional, and personal goals.
Two letters of recommendation from teachers, school administrators, and/or community leaders.
Deadline. Applications and all supporting documents must be submitted to the CGES Scholarship Committee, at the address shown below and postmarked no later than 28 February (current year), the application deadline. No extensions will be granted.
CGES Scholarship Committee Coast Guard Community Services Command Battlefield Technology Center I 510 Independence Parkway, Suite 500 Chesapeake, VA 23320-5191
You may reach the CGES Scholarship POC, at (757) 842-4937, or click here to email.