I'm interested in the Coast Guard Academy and heard about their foundation program. What exactly is that, and who benefits from it? Is it like a preparatory year or something else?
The Coast Guard Academy Foundation program, also known as the Scholars program or CGAS, is a preparatory program designed to enhance the academic and leadership capabilities of students who demonstrate strong potential to thrive at the US Coast Guard Academy but may need an additional year to further develop their skills.
The program specifically works with a select group of students who tend to be from underrepresented regions of the country and who have the potential to enhance the diversity of the student body of the Academy.
It is a one-year program that prepares these selected students for the Academy by sending them to a partner prep school for an intense academic year before they enter the Academy as Swabs (a term used for incoming students) the following summer. It is indeed a rigorous program that emphasizes not only academic development, but also athletic and character development, helping prepare students to meet the demands of life at the Academy.
A significant advantage is that the expenses for tuition, room, board, and other fees required by the preparatory school are covered for the students selected for the Coast Guard Academy Foundation program.
In summary, this program can be a unique opportunity for students who show robust potential but could use some additional preparation before embarking on their journey at the Coast Guard Academy. It's particularly valuable for students who come from different backgrounds with varying levels of academic preparation, thereby contributing to the diverse and inclusive environment at the Academy.
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