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My Coast Guard
Commentary | April 21, 2025

More PIE for America’s youth

By Edward Stoker, U.S. Coast Guard, Civil Rights Directorate

Following a pause to ensure alignment with Presidential Directives, the PIE Program has resumed activities. Command-sponsored, volunteer-driven, and partnership-based, the PIE Program serves the Coast Guard (CG) and our Nation by connecting CG units with schools and other community-based organizations to enhance student wellbeing, academic achievements, and career development. 

During the 2023-2024 program cycle, 208 CG units established partnerships with 352 schools and other community-based organizations. Together, they engaged 68,721 students in a range of school or CG-related activities. These activities included mentoring and tutoring; supporting instruction in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math; hosting field trips to CG units; and more.  

In addition to offering students opportunities to learn about civic responsibility, academic disciplines, and different career opportunities, the PIE Program gives CG members the ability to further serve as positive role models and mentors in their communities. The program also helps teachers, schools, and communities develop our nation’s future leaders. 

PIE volunteers across the country make the Program possible. Over the last three years, CG unit participation in the PIE Program has increased approximately 50%. In addition, partnerships with schools, volunteer participation, and students in activities have increased approximately 260%, 300% and 425%, respectively. 

We expect the CG PIE Program will continue to grow. Over the next three years, the program will be collaborating with CG units, the CG JROTC Program, CG Recruiting Command, CG Training Centers, and others such as CG Auxiliary, and CG Reserves to promote volunteerism, community service, and CG career opportunities. 

Above and beyond Devotion to Duty, CG personnel are encouraged to continue demonstrating their devotion to people and service through the PIE Program. For more information about the CG PIE Program visit  here. To get involved, e-mail Edward Stoker, National PIE Program Manager, at PIE@uscg.mil

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