The U.S. Coast Guard MWR Internship Program 2025 is your chance to gain invaluable hands-on experience while making a real difference in the lives of military members and their families. This unique program offers a gateway into federal student internships in the USA, providing a structured and supportive environment to apply your academic knowledge in a real-world setting. If you’re looking for an internship that combines purpose with professional development, a Coast Guard MWR career could be your perfect fit.
U.S. Coast Guard MWR Internship Program Overview
Property |
Details |
|---|---|
Program Title |
U.S. Coast Guard MWR Internship Program |
Department |
U.S. Coast Guard, Community Services Command |
Locations |
Multiple vacancies including Kodiak, AK; New London, CT; Baltimore, MD; Portsmouth, VA; and Base Borinquen, PR |
Salary |
$0.01 to $15.00 per hour (options for paid, unpaid, and for-credit internships) |
Work Schedule |
Full-time (40 hours per week), Temporary |
Application Window |
Open from July 28, 2025, to July 27, 2026 |
Your Mission: The Core Responsibilities
As an MWR Intern, you will be an integral part of a team dedicated to enhancing the morale, well-being, and recreation of the Coast Guard community. This is a dynamic role where no two days are the same. Your duties will include :
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Assisting in the planning, coordination, and delivery of community recreation programs and special events.
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Supporting fitness and wellness programming, from facility management to outreach initiatives.
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Working directly with the U.S. Coast Guard youth and recreation internship programs (location-dependent).
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Gaining exposure to business operations, including food and beverage, lodging, and marketing efforts.
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Providing high-quality customer service to military personnel and their families.
The Ideal Candidate: Eligibility and Qualifications
This Coast Guard internship program is designed for enthusiastic and dedicated students. To meet the Coast Guard MWR internship eligibility requirements, you should :
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Be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident eligible to work in the United States.
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Be actively enrolled at least half-time in an accredited college or university.
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Be pursuing a degree in a relevant field such as Recreation, Hospitality, Fitness, Sports Management, Child & Youth Development, Marketing, or Business Administration.
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Demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills.
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Possess a professional attitude, a willingness to learn, and enthusiasm for a service-focused environment.
Why Launch Your Career with Coast Guard MWR?
This is more than just an internship; it’s a stepping stone to a meaningful career. The U.S. Coast Guard MWR program duties and benefits are designed to give you a comprehensive experience :
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Gain Real-World Experience: This is one of the premier federal internship opportunities in recreation management, giving you a portfolio of tangible skills.
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Support a Noble Mission: Your work will directly enhance the quality of life for the brave men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard.
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Housing and Meals: At select locations, housing and some meals are provided, making the internship more accessible.
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Paid and Unpaid Options: The program offers flexibility with paid vs unpaid MWR internships, as well as options to earn academic credit.
How to Apply for the U.S. Coast Guard MWR Internship
The Coast Guard MWR application process is managed via email. Be sure to follow these steps carefully to ensure your application is considered:
Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted at least 60 days prior to your desired internship start date.
Your Application Checklist:
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Prepare Your Documents: You will need to compile the following:
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Your resume (2-page limit).
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A cover letter or essay that specifies your desired location(s) and semester (Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter).
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Your official academic transcript.
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A letter of recommendation (optional but recommended, especially if seeking academic credit).
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Craft Your Email: Send your complete application package to the U.S. Coast Guard internship application email: feedback@uscgmwr.org.
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Use the Correct Subject Line: Your email subject line must follow this format: [Your Last Name] – MWR Internship Application – [Preferred Location].
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the main differences between paid vs. unpaid MWR internships?
Paid internships offer an hourly wage (up to $15/hour), providing financial support during your internship. Unpaid internships are typically for students seeking to earn academic credit for their experience. Both options provide the same high-quality, hands-on training and professional development opportunities.
What kind of experience can I get in the MWR recreation and youth program internships?
Depending on the location, you could be involved in planning summer camps, after-school activities, sports leagues, and special events for military children. It’s an excellent opportunity to gain experience in youth development and program management within a structured environment.
Are there internships available outside of the summer?
Yes, the Coast Guard MWR summer and fall internships are very popular, but the program accepts applications for all seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. This flexibility makes it one of the best college internships with the Coast Guard for students with varying academic schedules.