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My Coast Guard
Commentary | Aug. 27, 2024

Education partnership flourishes

By Eddie Stoker, National Partnership in Education Program Manager, Civil Rights Directorate

The Coast Guard’s Partnership in Education (PIE) Program had a phenomenal year in 2023-2024, continuing its upward trend from the previous year. Check out these impressive numbers compared to 2022-2023: 

  • 208 units registered a local PIE Program, a 43.4% increase. 
  • 359 school partnerships were formed, up by 63.9%. 
  • 70,248 students participated in activities, a 21.8% rise. 
  • 2,882 Coast Guard members volunteered, growing by 43.7%. 
  • 9,643 volunteer hours were dedicated to students, marking a 59.3% increase.

This surge in participation and impact has sparked more interest in the PIE Program, both within the Coast Guard and in the community. The benefits are clear: Students receive valuable instruction, guidance and support; Coast Guard members serve as role models and make positive impact in the lives of students; teachers, schools and communities gain additional resources to nurture future leaders. Plus, the Coast Guard enhances its visibility and reputation as a top employer. 
 
This month, PIE will build on last year’s success by hosting another PIE Coordinator Orientation. In September and October, we will introduce a new orientation for commanding officers. PIE will also continue to host virtual presentations related to educational resources for youth available through our national partner, the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA), support reading and mentoring programs, encourage media engagement, and focus on how Coast Guard role models impact recruitment efforts. 
 
The PIE Program has seen more inquiries coming from community-based organizations, associations, and schools because of this success. Expect to see PIE coordinators and our Coast Guard partners at NAMEPA Regional Workshops, the Coast Guard’s Employee Engagement Day, annual conferences for organizations like the American School Counselor Association and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and many other places. 
 
We thank all schoolteachers, administrators, staff, and our great PIE Coordinators and units who enabled this successful year! To learn more about the PIE Program, download the PIE Program flyer. If you're interested in participating, contact Mr. Eddie Stoke at PIE@uscg.mil
 
Established in 1991, the Coast Guard Partnership in Education (PIE) Program is dedicated to boosting the wellbeing, academic achievement, and career development of students in communities where the Coast Guard is present, through strong partnerships between schools and Coast Guard units. 

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