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Elaina “Tessa” Koenig

Ethel, WA Major: Electrical Engineering

I started looking into the Academy because I met several former “Coasties” who shared stories of adventure and wonderful coworkers. After researching, I applied because I wanted to join a tight-knit group of people working to better themselves and their global community. My family supported me by giving me space to research and make my own decision about what I wanted to do after high school. When I decided that I wanted to attend the Academy my family and community supported me by sending letters of encouragement (and snacks) during Swab Summer and the school year.

I chose Electrical Engineering as my major because growing up I had a family friend who was able to build anything, from a goose- targeting sprinkler to an electric hydrofoil; there was no project he could not create. I saw the ideas that he was able to bring to life and knew I wanted to be able to do that. Electronics have become so integral to our society, it seems like every project today has some electrical component to it, so I decided that I wanted to learn as much as I could about how these systems work and how I can use them. What I love the most about my major is how the cadets work together on classwork and problems. It is a close group of cadets who are all very supportive of each other.

When I applied, I did not realize how much the admissions staff does and how interactive and willing to talk to prospective students they are. So don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions if you’re considering applying. Also reflect on what things are helpful to you. Whether it is something motivational like your reason for applying to the Academy or something you find calming when you are stressed, knowing your personal identity will help you feel confident that you made the right decision.

Sponsor Family Application

Thank you for submitting your application to be part of the Sponsor Family Program. Your application will be processed in the upcoming week. Coast Guard Academy’s policy on background screening now requires all adults (everyone 18 and older living in the home) who volunteer to mentor, teach, coach or sponsor cadets, whether on or off Coast Guard Academy grounds, to be screened every 5 years. They are required to provide personal information (name, birth date and social security number) for the purpose of conducting a criminal background check.

The Security Officer at the Coast Guard Academy, CWO2 Gina Polkowski, is overseeing this process. Her email is: Gina.M.Polkowski@uscg.mil.

Sponsor Family designations fall into several different categories. Below are the guidelines to help you determine how best to meet the background screening requirement:

If you are Coast Guard active duty you do not need to apply for an additional Background Check. You will be vetted through the Coast Guard system by CWO2 Polkowski.
If you are a Civilian working for the Coast Guard you do not need to apply for an additional Background Check. You will be vetted through the Coast Guard system by CWO2 Polkowski.
If you are non-Coast Guard Active Duty, you are required to provide proof of your current security clearance or National Agency Check that is to be emailed by your Command Security Officer (CSO)/ Security Office to CWO2 Polkowski at Gina.M.Polkowski@uscg.mil.
If you are non-Coast Guard civilian who has a current security clearance or National Agency check, you are required to provide proof of your current security clearance or National Agency Check that is to be emailed by your Command Security Officer (CSO)/ Security Office to CWO2 Polkowski at Gina.M.Polkowski@uscg.mil.
All civilians in the families who are 18 years or older and do not have a security clearance or a National Agency Check are required to be vetted through Mind Your Business, the third party vendor hired by the Coast Guard Academy for the vetting process.

After you complete your application, please e-mail the Sponsor Family Program Coordinator at CadetFamilySponsorProgram@uscga.edu. In your e-mail, you must include the e-mail address and phone number of every adult living in the home. The Sponsor Family Coordinator will then initiate the background check process and you will receive an email with further instructions.

Important things to note:

There is a Sponsor Family Training that is a one-hour training which we ask sponsors to attend once every four years. This training is designed to give you an overview of the program, what is expected of you as a sponsor, and what you can expect from your cadets. This training will also help familiarize you with the cadet regulations onboard CGA. You will be notified via e-mail once the training is scheduled.

The matching process of swabs to families will occur during July and August. Please bear with us and remain flexible through this process. There will be a meet and greet scheduled on Campus, typically in late August. This will give families an opportunity to formally meet their cadet if they have not already done so. Details on this will also be via email.