Rear Admiral John Nadeau, U.S. Coast Guard District Eight commander, and Dr. Reynold Verret, president of Xavier University of Louisiana, signed the agreement today, reinforcing the Coast Guards' relationship with the university and its College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI), which includes curriculum in aviation and transportation management. 

CSPI is a fully-funded scholarship program, which may pay up to two academic years of college tuition, books and essential supplies for full-time students. While enrolled in school, a CSPI candidate is enlisted in the USCG as a non-petty officer (E-3). In addition to the full tuition, students receive full pay, allowances, entitlements and the benefits of being an active duty USCG member. 

“We are so pleased to join the Coast Guard in this effort that will support the guard’s diversity goals,” said Dr. Reynold Verret, president of Xavier University of Louisiana. “Cultivating top talent from Xavier is one of our top priorities and this is in direct alignment with Xavier’s mission and who we are. Xavier students understand the call to service.”

Xavier students will also have the opportunity to take advantage of USCG’s Student Loan Repayment Program through the College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative. A fully funded program, the initiative is designed for students that are currently college seniors or have recently graduated from Xavier. The program pays up to $60k of accumulated student loan debt dependent on the number of years completed as a commissioned officer in the USCG.

“It is a pleasure of mine to sign an agreement like this,” said Rear Admiral John Nadeau. “The best that America is producing, the best that are out there; we need them in the Coast Guard. We understand that we need to have people that are representative of the American public we serve, not only being diverse but also being inclusive.”

Xavier, a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), offers several degree programs that are relevant to the mission of the USCG, which has been and will continue to be a major and active supporter of higher education. To that effect, the USCG is promoting this continued alliance to strengthen its relationship with Xavier and MSIs at large. Additionally, the USCG will continue to support the USCG’s College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI) programs, and mentorship/internship programs in hopes of recruiting and preparing students at Xavier for the challenges of tomorrow.

To learn more about CSPI, click here: https://bit.ly/30mhPz9