The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to strengthening the Coast Guard community and service by supporting members and families, announced today it has awarded a record 255 scholarships in 2025, totaling $925,000 in support for the 2025–2026 academic year.
Since its initiation in 1990, the Foundation has awarded over $9 million and more than 2,600 scholarships, ensuring Coast Guard children can build strong futures through a college education or technical school training.
In addition to the 255 scholarships, seven Fallen Heroes Scholarships were awarded this year to children of Coast Guard members who died in operational, line-of-duty service. These scholarships pay 100% of tuition and related expenses, providing families with important support while honoring their Coast Guard members’ service and sacrifice.
Announcements are issued for each scholarship recipient in their hometown news. These three Coast Guard Foundation scholars are selected to represent all of this year’s award recipients.
Andrew Arjona is from Wilmington, North Carolina, and is a first-time Coast Guard Foundation scholarship recipient. He is the child of Master Chief Alexis Arjona, who works at the Special Missions Training Center at Camp Lejeune.
Andrew graduated from Eugene Ashley High School in 2024 with a 4.0 GPA. He enrolled in a welding program at Cape Fear Community College last year and earned a 4.0 in his first year of college. His goal is to earn an international diver certification so he can work in underwater repair and construction.
Outside of school, Andrew played high school and club soccer and worked at a soccer camp. Andrew was named the recipient of the CAPT Guy Goodwin, USCG (Ret.) Honorary Scholarship.
“Beyond my diving career, I hope to live near the water and embrace a lifestyle that will complement my profession. Between dives, I would like to maintain a small business, possibly relating to diving, marine services, or metal fabrication. This would create a second form of financial flow, while also providing a creative outlet to help balance work, skills, and interests. Ultimately, I hope for a future where I am both professionally and personally fulfilled, living a life that shows my love for the water and adventure that comes with it.”
Ian Lindo of Chesapeake, Virginia, is a first-time recipient of a Coast Guard Foundation scholarship and was named an Admiral Robert E. Kramek Scholar. The award is named after Admiral Kramek, a former Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard known for his commitment to education and mentoring future leaders.
Lindo is attending North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University this fall as a civil engineering major. Lindo was also honored as the Coast Guard Military Child of the Year by Operation Homefront. He is the son of retired Coast Guard veteran Michael Lindo.
“With the financial support from this scholarship, I will be able to focus on my studies without the burden of financial stress, which will allow me to excel academically and professionally,” Lindo said.
Jeciana Rivera is studying neuroscience and cognitive science at the University of Arizona, where she’s on track to graduate in May 2026. She is a two-time Coast Guard Foundation scholarship recipient.
With a strong 4.0 GPA over three years and a challenging course load, Jeciana plans to apply to medical school after graduation. Ultimately, she hopes to join the Navy as a doctor.
Jeciana is the daughter of LCDR Hector Rivera, who is currently stationed with the Coast Guard in Virginia.
“Thank you for making this generous contribution towards my academic journey. This money will help to cover the cost of my senior year,” shared Jeciana.
“Not having to worry about financing my education will allow me to focus more of my time volunteering within the local Tucson community, something I am very passionate about.”
“Saying yes to Coast Guard children is more than a commitment, it is a promise to stand behind a generation driven by purpose and prepared to make a meaningful difference in the world,” said Susan Ludwig, president of the Coast Guard Foundation.
“Building on this milestone, we are dedicated to increasing scholarship amounts and the number of recipients in the years ahead to meet the growing needs of Coast Guard families.”
For a full list of this year’s scholarship recipients, please visit here.
To learn more about the Coast Guard Foundation, or to help support its work, please visit coastguardfoundation.org or call 860-535-0786.
About The Coast Guard Foundation
The Coast Guard Foundation is committed to ensuring all Coast Guard members and families have the resources they need to build resilience throughout their lives. Founded in 1969, we are a vital partner to the Coast Guard—tackling the toughest challenges confronting our heroes and strengthening the entire community.
Coast Guard members sacrifice so much to protect our nation. We must stand together and show them our appreciation so they can remain always ready. Join us at CoastGuardFoundation.org.
Featured image credit: DepositPhotos.com
