SAMSON, Ala. (WDHN) — On Friday, The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization, announced that it has awarded 187 new scholarships in 2023, totaling $650,000 in support for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Since the start of the program in 1990, the Foundation has been committed to strengthening the Coast Guard community and service by supporting members and families and has awarded more than $6.9 million in scholarships.

Emily Ward from Samson, child of Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Bret J. Ward, was awarded a Coast Guard Foundation Scholarship and attends Auburn University.

Coast Guard Foundation Scholarships aid the children of people who are serving or have served in the U.S. Coast Guard, whether active duty, reserve, retired or deceased.

“We are, as always, absolutely committed to ensuring that Coast Guard service members and their families have everything they need to be successful,” said Susan Ludwig, president of the Coast Guard Foundation. “This includes, on an essential level, supporting their children’s goals in education. These are talented, high-achieving students who are already serving their communities the way their family members do. Our scholarships are made possible by generous donations from individuals, families, corporations and foundations across the country.”

To learn more about the Coast Guard Foundation, or to help support its work, please visit www.coastguardfoundation.org or call (860) 535-0786.