Coast Guard Foundation Enlisted Education Grant
Offered by Coast Guard Foundation
About This Scholarship
The Coast Guard Foundation gives enlisted Coast Guard members annual education grants of up to $1,000 to pay for courses, certifications and credentials that the GI Bill, Coast Guard tuition assistance and other federal programs do not cover. The grant works as a reimbursement, so members submit receipts for completed coursework or credentialing.
There are three grant tracks. The general Coast Guard Foundation Education Grant supports undergraduate academic or technical coursework. The Vice Admiral William F. Rea III Marine Safety Education Grant covers undergraduate or graduate work tied to marine safety, security, environmental protection or vessel traffic systems. A third track pays for EMT training and certification.
In 2025 the foundation funded 133 off-duty education grants for members, part of more than $400,000 it spent on member training that year. The application window runs from October 1 through December 31, and it can close early once available funds run out.
Eligibility
- Active-duty enlisted Coast Guard members in pay grades E-3 through E-6
- Reserve members may qualify if they served more than 180 days on active-duty orders in the past 12 months
- Must be taking, or have finished within the past 12 months, a professional development, licensing, certification, undergraduate or graduate course
- Courses must be completed before release from active duty, discharge or retirement
- Expenses already reimbursed by federally funded programs are not covered
How To Apply
- Finish the course, training or credentialing program and keep your receipts
- Complete the online application through ETQC, the Coast Guard's education portal linked from the foundation's announcement
- Submit receipts for reimbursement before December 31, 2026, or sooner if funds run out
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Coast Guard Foundation enlisted education grant?
Active-duty enlisted members in pay grades E-3 through E-6, plus reservists who spent more than 180 days on active-duty orders in the past year.
How much is the grant?
Up to $1,000 per member per year, paid as a reimbursement for tuition, fees and other eligible education or credentialing costs.
When does the application close?
December 31, 2026, or earlier if the available funds are used up.