AUGUST 19, 2024 – The Coast Guard announced a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Dillard University, Friday, marking a significant step in expanding active duty recruitment efforts in New Orleans.
This strategic partnership will host the College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI), a program designed to attract and develop future leaders for the Coast Guard, while also creating new opportunities for students and the local community. The College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative Scholarship is designed for high performing college sophomores and juniors who demonstrate academic and leadership excellence and desire to serve their country. The program is designed to help students chart their course through the power of education and service in the military, reduce student debt burden, achieve financial stability and health insurance while guaranteeing a job after graduation, according to the MOU.
As part of the agreement, full-time students who are qualified and selected for the program will receive up to two years of tuition, books, and fees paid, a competitive monthly salary, medical benefits, and a host of other benefits. The current stipend is $3,500 per month.
Rear Admiral David Barata, Commander of U.S. Coast Guard’s Eighth District, emphasized the significance of the partnership, “The CSPI program is crucial for recruiting the best and brightest talent into our future officer ranks. By investing in educational initiatives and career pathways now, we ensure that our future leaders are well-prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow. This partnership with Dillard University exemplifies our commitment to nurturing future talent and enhancing our service.”
Under this new agreement, Dillard University and the Coast Guard will collaborate to support STEM experiential learning opportunities for middle and high school students, aiming to spark early interest in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This initiative aligns with the Coast Guard’s commitment to fostering a diverse and talented workforce that reflects the nation’s broad spectrum of skills and perspectives.
In addition to the educational and recruitment aspects, the agreement will also open doors to civilian employment opportunities within the Coast Guard, further integrating the university into the broader mission of the Coast Guard.
Dr. Monique Guillory, Interim President of Dillard University, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, “The partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard is a testament to our commitment to shaping the future of our students and community. By working together, we are investing not only in the careers of our students but also in impactful research and community engagement. This MOA represents a powerful opportunity for our students to engage with and contribute to the vital work of the Coast Guard.”
The new agreement reflects a shared vision for educational excellence and community impact, fostering a collaborative environment that benefits both students and the wider New Orleans area. Through this initiative, the Coast Guard and Dillard University are paving the way for a brighter future, where academic achievement and career readiness are seamlessly integrated.
For more information on the College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative visit www.gocoastguard.com/cspi.
About U.S. Coast Guard District 8
The U.S. Coast Guard is a multi-mission maritime service that conducts operations in support of national interests and maritime safety. Headquartered in New Orleans, the 8th Coast Guard District is responsible for U.S. Coast Guard operations spanning 26 states, including the Gulf of Mexico coastline from Florida to Mexico, the adjacent offshore waters and outer continental shelf, as well as the inland waterways of the Mississippi, Ohio, Missouri, Illinois, and Tennessee River systems. From search and rescue to maritime law enforcement, the Coast Guard is committed to safeguarding the nation’s waters and those who use them.
About Dillard University
Dillard University is a historically Black institution that cultivates leaders who live ethically, think and communicate precisely, and act courageously to make the world a better place. Located in New Orleans, Dillard is a private faith-based liberal arts university that offers 22 majors and two certificate programs. Ranked 5th on the 2021 The New York Times Overall Mobility Index and 14th in 2022 by Academic Influence for Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship, Dillard’s call to future leaders is to Write Your Legacy. Find out more about Louisiana’s oldest HBCU by visiting www.dillard.edu.