Partnership in Education Program

Established in 1991, the Partnership In Education (PIE) program allows members of the Coast Guard to provide volunteer support to hundreds of partner schools (elementary, middle, and high schools as well as colleges) and work directly with tens of thousands of students on a range of activities that promote the well-being and academic achievement of students, including in underserved communities.

The PIE Program benefits everyone involved. Students learn about civic responsibility, applications of academic disciplines, and different career opportunities. Coast Guard members further serve as positive role models and mentors in communities where they live and work. Teachers, schools, and communities receive support in developing our nation’s future civilian and military workforce and leaders.

PIE Program activities include:

• Reading to elementary school children.
• Providing instructional support on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) subjects such as marine science, engineering, and mathematics.
• Supporting students in extracurricular clubs and events such as science fairs, computer literacy programs, and robotics competitions.
• Hosting interactive educational field trips to Coast Guard Stations.
• Actively participating in school celebrations and events.
• Delivering presentations regarding civic responsibility and military life.
• Helping coach youth sports.
• Engaging students in school clean-up, gardening, and other beautification projects.
• Participating in school coat, backpack, and school supplies drives.
• Tutoring and mentoring students.
• Participating in career days.
• Providing students with job shadowing experiences.

If you are a teacher, school administrator, or a member of the Coast Guard Family (active duty, reserve, auxiliary, civilian or retired) interested in participating in the PIE Program, please contact your local PIE Program Coordinator or Edward Stoker, National PIE Program Manager at Edward.A.Stoker@uscg.mil. The Coast Guard has hundreds of units across the country that are actively engaged in their community providing advisory, instructional support, enrichment, and extended services to schools through the PIE Program.

Join the Teams PIE Hub to connect with other coordinators and volunteers! (CAC Required)

PIE Program History

In 1983-84, a National Year of Partnerships in Education was implemented under Presidential Proclamation 5112. The Proclamation stated that America’s future is dependent on the “health and vitality” of our education system and called upon all Americans and U.S. Agencies to become active in developing and maintaining partnerships with schools and communities to improve education and the quality of learning.

The Proclamation evolved into the National and Community Services Act of 1990 which requires each Federal agency to execute a comprehensive strategy to involve employees in elementary and secondary schools to foster civic responsibility. Through active participation in school-based partnership programs, volunteers develop and help students in organized, service-learning activities to meet the needs of the school and the community.

Further authority for the PIE Program is found in 29 C.F.R. § 1614.102(a)(13), which directs each federal agency to proactively engage with schools and universities to improve opportunities for federal employment and to help enhance local community conditions that may affect employability.