New London — Applications for sponsor families for the U.S. Coast Guard Academy’s Class of 2016 cadets are due June 30.

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 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.

The application to become a sponsor can be found at www.uscga.edu/cadet2.aspx?id=428. It can be returned via mail or email. An online version of the application is coming soon. For more information, contact the sponsor program coordinator at (860) 701-6119 or email Lisa.K.Jacobson@uscga.edu.