Civil Rights Logo

Civil Rights Directorate


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.

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 the 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)

Download the PIE Program brochure (PDF)

PIE Program Authorities

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 the quality of education in our Nation.

The Proclamation evolved into the National and Community Services Act of 1990 which directs each Federal agency to execute a comprehensive strategy to involve employees in partnership programs with elementary and secondary schools to help meet educational needs, especially those relating to poverty, and to improve the education of at-risk students.

Further authority for the PIE Program is found in 29 C.F.R. § 1614, which directs each federal agency to participate at the community level with schools and universities and with other public and private groups in cooperative action to improve employment opportunities and community conditions that affect employability.

PIE Awards

The PIE Awards are an annual recognition where six awards are presented to recognize outstanding Coast Guard units and individuals who participate at the community level with other employers and schools to improve the academic and employment outlook for youth. Awards are given to both large (100 or more personnel) and small (less than 100 personnel) units. All units with active PIE programs are encouraged to submit nominations. The PIE award categories are as follows:

Best Unit Partnership (Two Awards: Large and Small). Units that worked independently with one or more schools.

Best Collaborative Partnership (Two Awards: Large and Small). Units that worked with one or more volunteer organizations
(businesses, community-based organizations, or other units) to support one or more schools.

Sustained Excellence in Coast Guard PIE (One award). A unit or individual (volunteer, coordinator, or leader) with at least three
years of consecutive involvement in PIE programs.

PIE Coordinator of the Year (One award). A PIE Coordinator who established, sustained, or expanded high quality education
partnerships.

  • 2025 Partnership in Education Awards