2026 CGSWA Scholarship Application

2026 CGSWA Scholarship Application

Coast Guard Spouses and Women's Association of Sitka
The Rainy Day Bazaar/Sitka Community Scholarship and Non-profit Grant Program

The Rainy Day Bazaar is an annual fundraiser that has been hosted by the Coast Guard Spouses and Women's Association of Sitka since the 1980s! On Saturday, March 14th, from 9 am to 3 pm, we plan to fill the whole building of Harrigan Centennial Hall with local artisan and food vendors along with our annual Silent Auction. All proceeds of the Silent Auction will go towards the CGSWA Sitka Community Scholarship and Non-profit Grant Program.
The Coast Guard Spouses and Women’s Association of Sitka (CGSWA) sponsors a scholarship award to be used for postsecondary education, including, but not limited to, colleges and universities, as well as technical, vocational, or certificate programs.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. The applicant must be a graduating high school senior attending a local High School, or a Homeschool Program. If no graduating seniors apply, students currently enrolled in a post-secondary educational program will be considered.

2. The applicant must be a student in good standing with a minimum GPA of 2.5.

3. The applicant must show evidence that they are in the application process, have been accepted to, or are enrolled in, any post-secondary educational program.

4. The applicant must show evidence in their application that they have exhibited leadership and have successfully influenced others positively.

5. The applicant must provide two letters of recommendation. At least one recommendation letter must be from a teacher. No letters from immediate family members will be accepted.

6. The applicant must provide one copy of the applicant’s official or sealed high school transcript, GED test scores, or most recent official sealed college transcript(s).

7. The applicant must provide a resume that includes the following from the past four years: past employment, extracurricular activities, community service, and awards/honors presented.

8. The applicant must respond to the essay prompt. AI resources may be used to assist with spelling and grammar support. Using AI to generate content is not permitted.

9. The applicant must complete all parts of the scholarship application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

10. The application must be typed.

The scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $1,000 and is to be used for post-secondary education including but not limited to colleges and universities, as well as technical, vocational or certificate programs. Award checks will be made payable to the program or institution. CGSWA members vote on the recipient of the scholarship. The recipient must be enrolled prior to December 31st to receive the scholarship award. In the event the awardee does not enroll, the scholarship will be awarded to another eligible applicant.

DEADLINE: Applications and supporting documents must be received by Friday, April 24th. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Contact

Kathleen Montion

Scholarships and Grants Chair

sitkacgswa@gmail.com

Scholarship Application
Applicant Contact Information
Applicant Name

First NameLast Name
Date of Birth

MonthDayYear
Date
Phone Number*
Email*
example@example.com
Mailing Address*
Are you connected to the US Coast Guard?*

YesNo
If yes, please indicate the person of closest relation to you that is connected to the USCG.
Where did you hear about this scholarship?*
Where do you currently attend school?*
Name of the institution you plan to attend*
Institution's Mailing Address*
Office of Financial Aid's Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
If awarded this scholarship, please indicate to whom the check should be made out to at your institution of choice.*
Have you applied to the institution?*

YesNo
*If you are not a graduating high school senior, what is your status in the program you are currently attending?
Please respond to the following question in essay format and upload your Word document in the section below:

The United States Coast Guard is built on adaptability—responding to unpredictable conditions, evolving missions, and the needs of both the nation and local communities. In a remote, coastal community like Sitka, where weather, geography, and reliance on the ocean shape daily life, this adaptability is especially vital to safety, resilience, and connection.

Describe a time when you had to adapt to a challenge, change, or unexpected responsibility in your life. How did this experience shape your character, values, or sense of responsibility to others? In what ways will the lessons you learned guide your future education, leadership, and commitment to serving your community or chosen career field?

Please respond in essay format using a minimum of 450 words.
Essay should be typed, double spaced, and size 12 Times New Roman font.
File Upload*

Cancelof
ALL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS CAN BE UPLOADED in the same FILE UPLOAD box. This includes the following: Essay, Transcript, Resume, and Two Letters of Recommendation. PDFs or Word Documents will be accepted.
High school seniors:

Please request a sealed/official transcript and have it mailed to the following address or upload a copy in the File Upload Box above.

Kathleen Montion (CGSWA-Scholarship)

214 Neva St.

Sitka, AK 99835
Please have your school counselor assist you in completing the following sections.
Expected Graduation Date

MonthDayYear
Date
Class Rank
Class Size
Date Ranked

MonthDayYear
Date
School Counselor's Name

First NameLast Name
School Counselor's Signature **Counselors have asked that we include this, so that you include them in this process.

Clear
School Counselor's Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.
Mail-in application option (not-preferred)

If you would like to submit the application via mail, click "preview pdf" at this time and use the print button. Make sure to pen in how many tables and include the proper fees with your application. For those submitting online, please continue.
Date*

MonthDayYear
Date
Signature*

Clear
Please ensure you do the following:
- Complete this application
- Upload your essay and supporting documents within this application
- Get assistance from your school counselor for requested information
- Email or mail a sealed official transcript from your school
  - Email: sitkacgswa@gmail.com
  - Mail: Kathleen Montion (CGSWA-Scholarship) 214 Neva St., Sitka, AK 99835
Should be Empty:

2026 CGSWA Scholarship Application

Scholarship Application

Applicant Contact Information

Mail-in application option (not-preferred)