Role
of the Auxiliary
One of the many missions of the
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is to provide support for the U.S. Coast Guard
Academy. The Auxiliarists performing this mission in this area, work
under the direction of the Career Counselor
for the Auxiliary's Northern Virginia Division. The Auxiliary, along
with other groups, has committed to supporting the Academy
Admissions Office through Coast
Guard Academy Team Eagle (CGATE). This support includes:
-
The Academy Introduction Mission (AIM)
Program is a one-week orientation to cadet life for students between their
junior and senior years of high school.
-
The Minority Introduction to Engineering
(MITE) Program is similar to the AIM Program, with an emphasis on engineering
and minority candidates.
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Visiting area high schools to inform
guidance counselors and students as possible about the Coast Guard, the
Coast Guard Academy, and the AIM & MITE Programs.
-
Representing the Coast Guard Academy
at college nights, career fairs, and Congressional service academy fairs.
-
Interviewing finalists for Cadet appointments.
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U.S.
Coast Guard Academy
The U.S.
Coast Guard Academy, located in New  London,
Connecticut, is one of the finest and most selective colleges in America.
An average of 265 students enter the Academy each year out of approximately
5,500 applicants.
The 4-year academic program leads
to a Bachelor of Science degree in a variety
of majors. Each major provides a sound undergraduate education in a
field of interest to the Coast Guard and prepares the Cadet to assume initial
duty as a junior officer. Upon graduation, each Cadet is commissioned as
an Ensign in the Coast Guard.
Appointment as a Cadet is based
solely on an annual nationwide competition. Congressional nomination are
not needed. The competition includes either the SAT or ACT test results,
high school rank in class, community service, and leadership qualities.
Interested students should apply
during the Fall (deadline in December 15th) of their senior year in
high school. Request application
or apply on-line.
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Academy
Introduction Mission (AIM)
Every summer since 1955, the Auxiliary
has sponsored the AIM Program,
which provides a visit to the U.S. Coast Guard
Academy (CGA) for selected high school students. AIM consists of seven
action-packed days from reveille at 0600 to taps at 2200 where students
live the life of a CGA cadet. The week's objectives focus on giving participants
first hand knowledge of CGA empowering them to make informed decisions
aboout applying to and attending CGA. Students experience the challenges
and rewards of rigorous academic, military, and physical training. This
includes morning calisthenics, sailing, touring a Coast Guard cutter and
aircraft, competing in athletics, and working out in the CGA's recreational
facilities. As a direct result of this program, many of these AIM
candidates have applied and competed for appointments to the Coast Guard
Academy. It was project AIM that initially introduced many current Coast
Guard officers to the Academy.
Applications
must be received by the Career Counselor between January 1st and March
31st. The program at the Academy runs Saturday to Friday, July 20
- 26, 2002. For more information on the AIM program, contact the
Career
Counselor for Northern Virginia. For other areas of the country,
click
here.
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Minority
Introduction to Engineering (MITE)
The
MITE Program is similar to the AIM Program, with an emphasis on engineering
and minority candidates.
The MITE program is a free, one
week summer program. It is designed for minority high school students
between their junior and senior year who are interested in the United States
Coast Guard Academy and engineering.
During MITE week, participants spend
their days in classes performing engineering projects. Students rise early
in the morning, exercise, and gain first hand experience on what it takes
to be a Cadet at the Academy. All of this enables students to make
an informed decision about applying to the Academy.
For more information on the MITE
program, contact the Career Counselor
for Northern Virginia. For other areas of the country,
click
here.
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