Thank you for your inquiry about the US Coast Guard Academy (Academy) and the Academy Introduction Mission Program (AIM).

AIM (Academy Introduction Mission) "is a one-week summer program for current High School Juniors who will be rising High School Seniors next summer.  Intense, exciting, non-stop - it's a chance to see if the Academy is right for you - and if you have what it takes to succeed.  If selected, you will experience the Coast Guard Academy personally - just like a cadet - for one week in July."  

AIM Week Dates are available at Academy Introduction Mission Program website.

Every summer since 1955 the Auxiliary has sponsored a visit to the Coast Guard Academy for selected high school students. As a direct result of this program, many of these AIM candidates have applied and competed for appointments to the Coast Guard Academy.  It was project AIM that initially introduced many current Coast Guard officers to the Academy.

Project AIM is open to High School Juniors with Strong Academic Records, Athletic Skills and Community Service.  

Basic Requirements for Participation in Project AIM:

Be a U.S. citizen between 15 and 18 years of age, and currently a high school junior.  Be unmarried with no legal dependents, with a good scholastic record.

Be in good health and physical condition; able to run, do push-ups and sit-ups.  Weight must be proportional to height.  Common medical disqualifiers include color blindness, asthma, and visual not correctable to 20/20.

Have good leadership potential with a genuine interest in a career in the U.S. Coast Guard.

This program is highly competitive, with applicants from all over the United States.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications are normally accepted from February 1 to April 1 each year with 1 April being the deadline for applications.  You can apply through this Online Application.   

If you have further questions you may contact the Flotilla Staff Officer Human Resources.   

Stay in touch with your local Coast Guard Auxiliary representative – you can even arrange for an optional interview with them during the application cycle.  

Project AIM participants are 12 times more likely to receive an appointment to CGA.

For more information, see your high school guidance counselor, or e-mail Flotilla Staff Officer Human Resources or contact the U.S. Coast Guard Academy

The Academy is located in New London, Connecticut. Admission to the Coast Guard Academy is Merit-Focused (not requiring Congressional Appointment as with all other military academies), for United States citizen ages 17 to 21.     It is a 4-year Scholarship plus monthly allowance with majors in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Naval Architecture and Marine Environmental Sciences, Management or Government.  Graduation confers a Bachelor’s Degree and an Ensign Commission, which requires a five-year Active Duty Commitment.  Cadets have +1180 Average SAT’s.

The video link below is what AIM is about and your future in the Coast Guard.  You will need Adobe Flash Viewer to view this video.  You can get a free copy of it here.