Historically Black Norfolk State University has signed a memorandum of agreement with the U.S. Coast Guard to renew the ongoing partnership between the two entities.
“This partnership is so very important to Norfolk State,” said university president Melvin T. Smith. “It’s a great day for Norfolk State – to have this kind of document and this kind of partnership.”
The agreement is part of the Coast Guard’s College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI) program. Established in 1989, the CSPI is a scholarship program aimed at improving the diversity of the Coast Guard’s officer corps. The program provides opportunities to receive a funded education with a salary and a rewarding career. The updated agreement will allow a qualified student from NSU to receive a CSPI scholarship.
“This joint initiative with NSU will serve as a key component in building and supporting a diverse, mission-ready Coast Guard workforce,” said Vice Admiral Scott Buschman, commander of Coast Guard Atlantic Area.