COAST GUARD FOUNDATION BEGINS SCHOLARSHIP EFFORTS

Stonington — The Coast Guard Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to the education and welfare of Coast Guard members and their families, has kicked off its 2016 scholarship season.

Accepting applications until March 15, children of enlisted Coast Guard members may apply for annual scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. New this year, there will be a simplified application process for scholarship recipients who are applying for a renewal. This new application is only for those students who have already received a one-time scholarship, and are working on their first undergraduate degree. Once completed, the application and an unofficial transcript can be submitted directly to the Coast Guard Foundation office for review.

Over the last 20 years, the Coast Guard Foundation has awarded more than $3 million through its scholarship program to family members of brave Coast Guard men and women to help them achieve their dreams of higher education. The nonprofit’s commitment to education support has significantly grown over time and is now a primary focus of the organization.

“Our scholarship program is one of the most rewarding ways we support the Coast Guard community,” said Anne Brengle, president, Coast Guard Foundation. “Since we began this program we have witnessed these young men and women grow as integral parts of the Coast Guard family and wonderful members of their communities. Due to the continued support, we were delighted to award 86 scholarships last year. We hope to continue to expand this vital effort again this year and in years to come.”

For more than 40 years, the Coast Guard Foundation has been committed to inspiring leadership, learning and a proud legacy of service to our nation by supporting the men of women of the United States Coast Guard. The Foundation provides higher education grants to enlisted members, reservists and their children; higher education financial support for families of Coast Guard members lost in the line of duty; and support for morale programs including funding recreation, exercise and family-oriented facilities.

Children of Coast Guard members who are active duty, retired or deceased, or reservist currently on extended — 180 days or more — active duty are eligible to apply for 2016 education scholarships and grants.

For more information on the application, visit: http://bit. ly/1WhEcv4.

To apply, visit: http://bit. ly/1TgbHQn.

Renewal applicants should visit: http://bit.ly/1WhElhS.

For more information on the Coast Guard Foundation or its scholarship programs, please visit www.coastguardfoundation. org or call (860) 535-0786.