USCGA Admissions approved up to ten Sea Scouts to participate in the Academy Introduction Mission (AIM) 2025.
Key Dates:
- 13 February 2025: USCGA Admissions Department opened AIM 2025 applications
- 20 March 2025: Last day for Sea Scouts to submit their applications to the Sea Scout AIM Nomination Committee for consideration
- 1 April 2025: Deadline for all interested students to submit their online AIM applications to USCGA
- 1 April 2025: Sea Scout AIM Nomination Committee submits our list of up to 10 Sea Scouts to USCGA Admissions Department POC
- 5 May 2025: USCGA releases selection decisions
- 10-15 May 2025: AIM Scholarship application period (USCG sponsored for selectees who need financial assistance)
- 6-11 July 2025: Session 1 – on-campus
- 13-18 July 2025: Session 2 – on-campus
- 20-25 July 2025: Session – on-campus
- Note: USCGA will assign the sessions to selected individuals. Cost for selected participants to attend the in-person sessions is $750 (same as last year).
Sea Scouts will need to certify on their Sea Scout AIM Application to ensure that we are only submitting candidates that meet USCGA’s minimum requirements. These were provided by USCGA Admissions as part of our agreement to nominate Sea Scouts to participate:
- Entering 12th grade year of high or secondary school,
- Maintains no less than a 3.4 unweighted GPA adjusted to a 4.0 scale,
- Successfully completed instruction in algebra by the end of junior year and will complete a lab course in either chemistry or physics prior to senior year of high school,
- No less than 60” or no greater than 80” in height, and
- Possess U.S. citizenship.
Sea Scouts may now apply to the AIM Program by submitting this application to [email protected] no later than March 20, 2025. The AIM Program has prioritized up to 10 slots for Sea Scouts which requires an earlier application deadline than general applicants. Sea Scouts may apply for financial assistance directly from the US Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) since this is a US Coast Guard sponsored program.
AIM 2025: The USCG Academy’s AIM Program application season is open and will run until April 1, 2025. The USCGA will hold three one-week in-person sessions and a two-day virtual program. Admissions | AIM Summer Program (uscga.edu) The virtual program will be offered to selected students who are unable to attend in-person programming due to logistics or cost. This program will be offered free to students. The cost for the weeklong in-person session is $750. No financial support from the Sea Scout National Committee or Scouting America is available for this opportunity. If scholarships are required, requests can be made directly to the USCG Academy as noted on their website. Note that applicants seeking a supporting nomination to participate from the Sea Scout program must submit their applications directly to the USCG Academy and Sea Scout nominating committee by March 20, 2025, to allow for review and submission by the committee to the USCG Academy on April 1, 2025.
Background:
Since the 1950s, more than 16,000 high school students have discovered the USCG Academy by attending the Academy Introduction Mission (AIM) program. Exclusively for students preparing to enter their senior year of high school, AIM is now widely regarded as the most realistic service academy summer orientation program in the country.
AIM will test and inspire those interested in serving their country and humanity as officers in the nation’s oldest continuous maritime service. In six non-stop days, students immerse themselves in Academy tradition and cadet life. The program is intense and rewarding. More importantly, AIM will help students discover if they possess the mind, body, and character to succeed at the Coast Guard Academy. Traditionally, the USCGA holds three programs each summer. Each program has a duration of six days.
The USCGA currently supports approximately 600 students (200 per session for three sessions) each summer with the anticipation of over 2000 applications. Sea Scouts may recommend up to 10 rising high school seniors for AIM 2025.
During AIM, students will be held to a higher standard: the Honor Concept. Because cadets and officers are called to a life of public service, their words and signatures are regarded as verification of the truth. Thus, cadets live by the hallowed words engraved in Chase Hall: “Who lives here reveres honor, honors duty.” The Honor Concept is demonstrated when cadets put the interests of others ahead of their own. The Creed of the United States Coast Guardsman reflects on a higher purpose and the bond between shipmates and those the Coast Guard serves. During AIM, students will have the chance to experience this bond. While attending AIM, students are encouraged to embrace the spirit of the Honor Concept and Creed, making both their own.
AIM is exclusively for students about to begin their senior year of high school. To apply, students should be:
- A U.S. citizen {dual citizenship is fine),
- Between 16 and 18 years of age,
- Unmarried, not pregnant, and have no legal obligations to support anyone including a child,
- Physically fit, in good health, with weight proportional to height; Of good moral character,
- No less than 60” or no greater than 80” in height,
- Academically successful (no less than a 3.4 unweighted GPA adjusted to a 4.0 scale), with demonstrated leadership skill and achievement outside the classroom,
- Covered by health insurance during the AIM session.
All participants will be required to sign a Waiver of Liability and Assumption of Risk Agreement provided by the USCGA prior to attending and participating in any AIM events at the USCGA.Sea Scouts will not use the USCGA or the USCGA AIM program to imply Federal, DoD, Homeland Security, or USCGA endorsement of Sea Scouts or its events.
The USCGA will retain final decision-making authority over applicants accepted into the AIM program. Anticipated sponsorship or endorsement of a candidate by Sea Scouts does not guarantee an applicant’s acceptance into the program.
Sea Scouts & USCGA desired outcome: Raise awareness for the AIM Program and identify highly qualified Sea Scouts who would benefit from this leadership development opportunity. Encourage Sea Scouts to apply for an appointment as a Cadet at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy at the start of their Senior year.