New London — The U.S. Coast Guard Academy is looking for sponsor families for the incoming Class of 2018 cadets.

Sponsor families help cadets with the transition from civilian to military life by providing support and guidance.

To be eligible for the program, military and civilian applicants must be at least 28 years old and live within 25 miles of the academy. Exceptions will be considered on a case by case basis. Active-duty military members must have a rank or rate of E-7 or O-3 and above to be considered. Potential sponsors will undergo a background security check and must provide two references with their application.

For more information, visit www.uscga.edu/sponsorfamilyprogram or contact the sponsor program office at (860) 701-6119 or e-mail Lisa.K.Jacobson@uscga.edu.

Applications are due by June 30. The online application can be found at www.uscga.edu/cadetsponsor.