Why “Yes” Makes the Difference for Coast Guard Families

In 2025, the Coast Guard Foundation awarded $925,000 to 255 college and trade school students. In 2026, they aim to do even more.

Jeciana Rivera and her father LCDR Hector Rivera

July 22, 2026

What is the value of an education? For many military members and their families it can mean better earning opportunities, employment that works with the needs of their family, and a dream becoming reality.

Coast Guard members go where the mission requires, and most times, they have families along for the ride. This can mean sacrificing career and education opportunities for spouses, and enriching development for their child dependents. Coast Guard members live close to where they work, which means living on or close to the water. The cost of living, in addition to many other factors of military life, can present a major strain on these families while serving.

How the Coast Guard Foundation Supports Military Families Through Scholarships

This is where the Coast Guard Foundation has stepped in since 1969, and the mission continues in saying “yes” to Coast Guard family members with aspirations for education and training. Last year alone, 255 students enrolling in college and trade school received $925,000 in Coast Guard scholarships from the Foundation.

Jeciana Rivera (right) is a two-time scholarship recipient and is the daughter of LCDR Hector Rivera who is currently stationed at C5ISC in Alexandria.

“In my final year of undergraduate, I will complete my thesis, a large research paper, to graduate with honors from my university. I will also be taking part in two certificate programs that will greatly aid me in my journey to becoming a physician.”

- J. Rivera

Jeciana graduated this year with honors and an undergraduate degree in neuroscience and cognitive science; ultimately planning to attend medical school to become a physician.

According to Jeciana, “Being a good leader is essential as a physician to ensure patients receive the best possible care.”

She hopes to join the Navy as a doctor, and take advantage of opportunities offered by the military.

Aidan Farmer is the son of retired USCG veteran Shawn Farmer. From Staten Island, New York, Aidan is a returning scholarship recipient, awarded his first CGF scholarship in 2024.

Aidan is currently enrolled at John H. Martinson Honors College at Rowan University in New Jersey on a chemical engineering degree path and minoring in chemistry and mathematics.

“During my college career, I want to expand my world. I have already met students from different parts of the world and backgrounds, something that was lacking at my high school. I also want to study abroad to broaden my horizons. My school has a course for engineers in which a portion of it takes place in Germany. I intend to enroll in this course and take advantage of seeing a global perspective.”

- A. Farmer

His future goal is to work in the pharmaceutical manufacturing field. He stays engaged through an internship in his major area of study and participating in community beach clean ups on Staten Island.

There are many more students like Jeciana and Aidan who are getting creative with funding their education with military family scholarships and realizing their dreams. Coast Guard Foundation says “yes” to make dreams a reality, and the Foundation’s goal for 2026 is to say yes to more dreams than past years. To meet this goal, they’re reaching out to their community donors.

How You Can Help

Tell a Coast Guard family about the Foundation

“Yes” doesn’t happen without the eligible applicants who apply. Simply visit the Coast Guard Foundation website, fill out the application form, and click submit.