The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to strengthening the Coast Guard community and service by supporting members and families, announced recently that it has awarded 158 scholarships in 2021 totaling $345,500 in support, including for a Mesa student.

In the 31 years of the program, the Coast Guard Foundation has paid out more than $6 million to more than 1,400 college-aged young adults, according to a release.

Mesa resident Russell Carruthers, child of Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Conrad Carruthers, is attending Chandler Gilbert Community College this fall and was awarded a Coast Guard Foundation scholarship. The foundation does not release individual amounts for scholarships.

The Coast Guard Foundation Scholarships benefit the children of enlisted men and women who are serving or have served in the U.S. Coast Guard, whether active duty, reserve, retired or deceased, the release states.

“We are honored to continue our dedication to the children of the Coast Guard as they pursue their higher education goals,” Susan Ludwig, president of the Coast Guard Foundation, said in the release. “These amazing students are already a benefit to their communities and a proud example of the values instilled in them by their Coast Guard parents. Our support is only possible because of generous investments from individuals, families and foundations across the country.”

Go to coastguardfoundation.org.