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 new 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 (7) 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 member’s service and sacrifice.
The following local students were awarded Coast Guard Foundation scholarships this year, listed alphabetically. In some cases, scholarship recipients received a named Coast Guard Foundation scholarship in honor of a donor or benefactor. Those named awards are featured in the list. If no named award is mentioned, the student received a Coast Guard Foundation scholarship.
- Riley Bonetto, child of Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Rafferty, from Orchard Park;
- Siblings Aidan Farmer and Liam Farmer, children of retired Coast Guard veteran Shawn Farmer, from Staten Island. Aidan Farmer received the Coast Guard Foundation Crowley Scholarship.
- Connor Goodwin, child of retired Coast Guard veteran Glenn Goodwin, from Staten Island;
- Nikolai Lopatka, child of retired Coast Guard veteran William F. Lopatka, from Rochester;
- Denivia Rivera, child of retired Coast Guard veteran Carlos Rivera, from the Bronx;
- Siblings Casey Swan and Coral Swan, children of retired Coast Guard veteran Robyn Swan, from Cheektowaga.
The Coast Guard Foundation scholarship program benefits the children of Coast Guard members who are serving or have served in the U.S. Coast Guard, whether active-duty, reserve, retired or deceased.
“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.”
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
