Does the Coast Guard Academy have any programs for high school students?

I'm a high school junior and really interested in the Coast Guard Academy. Are there any special programs or opportunities for high school students to get involved or prepare early during high school?

Absolutely, the United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) indeed offers some remarkable programs for high school students to get acquainted and involved with the academy experiences.

The Academy Introduction Mission (AIM) is one popular option. AIM is a highly competitive week-long residential program designed for rising high school seniors during the summer after their junior year. During this program, you'd experience the rigor, discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills necessary to succeed in the USCGA. You'll engage in many activities ranging from academic seminars to military training and athletic activities, giving you a chance to understand the academy life and career opportunities offered by the Coast Guard.

Another program is the Academy Scholars Program, which is more academically focused. In this program, selected high school graduates complete a year of college-level courses at the New Mexico Military Institute. Upon satisfactory completion, Academy Scholars are guaranteed appointments to the United States Coast Guard Academy. It's more like a preparatory year for the academy.

Lastly, the Coast Guard Academy also hosts the Summer Academy, a one-week program for high school juniors. It's an immersive experience where you gain insights into the academy life through leadership, teamwork, and physics or engineering-related activities.

Remember to apply early as these programs have varying application deadlines, and due to their exclusive nature, they have limited capacity. It's a fantastic idea to take advantage of these opportunities, as they will provide you with invaluable exposure to the academy environment and expectations as well as the Coast Guard's operational missions. Good luck!