Education

Education changes lives, strengthens families, and opens doors to future service and career success. The Coast Guard Foundation helps members, spouses, and children pursue college, certifications, trade school, and professional training by reducing the financial barriers that can stand in the way. From scholarships for military children to grants for spouses and service members, this support helps Coast Guard families build brighter futures.

Opening doors for Coast Guard families

The demands of Coast Guard life can make pursuing education more difficult. Frequent moves, family transitions, financial pressure, and the cost of tuition, books, and training can all create barriers to opportunity. The Coast Guard Foundation helps remove those barriers so families can focus on learning, advancing, and preparing for what comes next.

This support reaches across the Coast Guard community — from children beginning their college journey, to spouses working toward a degree or professional certification, to service members building skills that strengthen both their military careers and their long-term civilian prospects.

Scholarships for Coast Guard children

The Foundation offers scholarships for college-aged children of active-duty, retired, and reserve Coast Guard members. These awards help students stay focused on their education while gaining the knowledge, experience, and confidence needed for future success.

Scholarship recipients are pursuing degrees in fields ranging from engineering and neuroscience to public service and health care. With financial support in place, students can take full advantage of internships, fieldwork, service opportunities, and academic experiences that prepare them for careers, graduate study, or military service of their own.

Supporting children of fallen heroes

For children who have lost a parent in operational, line-of-duty service, the cost of higher education can add another burden during an already difficult time. The Coast Guard Foundation honors that sacrifice through Fallen Heroes Scholarships that cover 100% of higher education and living expenses.

This support helps students pursue college or trade school without the weight of financial uncertainty or debt. Just as importantly, it reflects a lasting commitment to the families of those who gave their lives in service to the nation.

Education grants for spouses

Coast Guard spouses often balance education goals with the realities of military family life, including relocations, caregiving responsibilities, and changing employment opportunities. The Coast Guard Foundation’s spouse education grants help ease the cost of earning degrees, licenses, and professional certifications.

These grants support spouses as they build careers in fields such as nursing, education, and other high-demand professions. By investing in spouse education, the Foundation helps strengthen the financial stability, well-being, and resilience of the entire Coast Guard family.

Workforce development for service members

For Coast Guard members, advanced education and professional credentials are increasingly important. While the G.I. Bill and Coast Guard tuition assistance provide important support, they do not always cover the full cost of education, certifications, course materials, or specialized training.

The Coast Guard Foundation helps close those gaps through grants that support workforce development and continuing education. Whether members are pursuing degrees, technical training, or certifications in fields like information technology, cybersecurity, or maritime operations, this support helps them grow professionally, serve more effectively, and prepare for future civilian careers.

Lasting impact

The Foundation’s investment in education is creating opportunity across the Coast Guard community. In 2025 alone, it provided:

• 255 scholarships for Coast Guard children
• 11 Fallen Heroes scholarships and booster grants
• 8 scholarships for reservists and their families
• 223 spouse education grants
• 482 grants to members for workforce development and education
• $1.69 million in direct support across education programs

These investments do more than help cover costs. They reduce stress, expand opportunity, and empower Coast Guard families to achieve their goals with confidence.

When Coast Guard members and families have access to education, they gain more than credentials — they gain opportunity, stability, and a stronger path forward. Through scholarships and grants for children, spouses, and service members, the Coast Guard Foundation is helping build a future where Coast Guard families can thrive in school, in service, and beyond.