Supporting the U.S. Coast Guard Academy
Academy Support
The Coast Guard Foundation is proud to have served the United States Coast Guard Academy for the last forty years. In the last four years alone, the Coast Guard Foundation has provided more than $10 million in support to the Coast Guard Academy, funding projects like the waterfront and athletic programs, and academic enrichment programs that provide cadets with equipment that puts them on par with an elite group of other universities. The Foundation provided support to complete the new track and field complex and a generous in-kind gift substantially overhauled a computer lab in the engineering department. This year, the Foundation also supported the engineering department’s robotics program.The Foundation manages a robust boat donation program providing top-notch sailboats for cadet use in the Academy’s offshore sailing program, where cadets participate in races up and down the east coast, earning accolades for their skills and as representatives of the Coast Guard Academy community.
In partnership with the Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association, the Foundation is undertaking a major capital project to provide the Academy with a new fleet of sail training vessels. The Leadership 44 project will allow every 2/c cadet to gain the small boat sailing, seamanship, navigation and leadership experience that is a hallmark of Coast Guard officers and leaders of character.
Academic Enrichment
Purchases of new equipment enriched cadets’ academic experience in many ways. The Department of Humanities Language Laboratory received substantial upgrades allowing cadets to more easily gain critical language skills. Over at the Department of Science, the purchase of a rotating tank and microplate reader, allowed the department to revolutionize the way they teach physical oceanography. The addition puts them on par with an elite group of other universities, like MIT, that are using these tanks.
The Department of Engineering purchased a rapid prototype machine, also known as a 3-D printer that allows cadets to design mechanical components via computer and then print out the design with a click of a mouse.A subscription to SmartThinking, an internet-based tutoring service allows cadets to receive around-the-clock tutoring on-demand in a variety of subjects; this service is a significant supplement to the Academy’s integrated peer tutoring network. The teaching staff implemented Test Generator, a software package that enables them to create specifically tailored assessment instruments to supplement the host of tools used in both academic and training areas.
Academic support services were enhanced through the purchase of Advisor Trac, a software application designed to improve academic advising, allowing the Academy to better capture data and more effectively keep all critical cadet monitors- academic advisors, company officers and coaches- informed of cadets’ academic progress. The Hedrick Fellow program brought Secretary James A. Baker, former Secretary of State, to the Academy, where he reflected on a lifetime of leadership ands service in a variety of positions: US Marine Corps Captain, Chief of Staff of the White House, Secretary of State and co-chair
of the Iraq Study Group. In addition to a presentation to the entire corps of cadets, Secretary Baker participated in cadet-led academic seminars and interacted with cadets at a formal dinner and reception in his honor.Enrichment programs strengthened the cadets’ experience outside of the classroom. Cadets in the Society of Politics and International Affairs traveled to Washington D.C. and visited the White House, Senate and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Cadets were able to visit the institutions they study, and intersect and learn from the policymakers who deal with societal and security issues. The Academy Mock Trial Team competed in events throughout New England. The team also hosted a mock trial competition at the Academy for teams through the region, enhancing other colleges’ understanding of the Coast Guard Academy.
The Robert and David Hoffman Awards for outstanding academic excellence and the Cadet Jonathan Briese Award for leadership are presented annually to deserving cadets.
The first of a multi-year gift from BAE Systems expanded and enhanced the Academy’s program in ethics education.
Athletics
The Coast Guard Foundation assists with needed athletic equipment for the Academy’s intercollegiate athletic program and coaches’ salaries.Cadet Activities
The Coast Guard Foundation supports many cadet activities, including the sailing program and the music department, as well as special morale events like monthly wellness activities, the drill team, combat arms, community service clubs, art, recreation and cultural programs.
Waterfront
The Academy accepted one vessels into its waterfront training program. The Sail Training Program is an integral part in the development of officers and in preparing them to be future professional mariners. The Foundation also provided the Academy with funding for sailing coaches’ salaries. The Foundation, in conjuction with the USCGA Alumni Association, is also in the beginning stages of fundraising for a new class of boats at the Academy, the “Leadership 44”, which will ultimately provide a fleet of eight sail training vessels. For more information on the L44 project, click on this link, or visit the website at www.cgaleadership44.org
Leadership Development
The Foundation provides support to the Leadership Development Center for the Officer Candidate School, Chief Warrant Officers Indoctrination Course, Chief Petty Officers Academy Command, Operations School and other LDC courses – events, graduations, recognition, and activities that support business and government courses. 
