Forging Leaders. Strengthening Legacies.

Empowering tomorrow’s Naval and Marine Corps officers with mentorship, tradition, and the resources to excel.

Core Programs

The Scarlet & Gold Foundation puts donor support to work for Citadel NROTC midshipmen, funding scholarships, mentoring, and mission-ready training that turn cadets into outstanding Naval and Marine Corps officers. Every gift is stewarded with full transparency and measurable outcomes—building leaders for the Fleet today and a stronger Corps for tomorrow.

  • We fund last-mile tuition and textbook gaps so cadets never have to pause their commission track for financial reasons. Awards range from $500 micro-grants for course materials to multi-semester tuition bridges of up to $5,000. Recipients are selected by need, academic merit, and commitment to naval service, then matched with a mentor to ensure the dollars translate directly into graduation and commissioning.

  • Every junior and senior cadet is paired with a veteran Marine or Naval officer for monthly check-ins, tactical decision games, and career guidance. The network spans 15 time zones, so midshipmen can jump on a call with a fleet lieutenant in Yokosuka or a Marine captain at SOI. Donor funds cover training materials, virtual-platform licenses, and an annual mentor summit at The Citadel.

  • Tradition breeds cohesion. We underwrite the Marine Corps Birthday Ball, Battalion PT challenges, change-of-command ceremonies, and “Old Corps” professional-military-education nights. Your support covers venue fees, historical displays, and reduced-rate cadet tickets, ensuring every officer candidate can participate regardless of personal means. These events forge the esprit de corps that carries Marines and Sailors through deployments.

  • Cadets don’t just train—they give back. We fund STEM outreach days in local schools, veteran-home renovation blitzes, and Lowcountry environmental clean-ups that put leadership lessons into action. Donor dollars provide materials, transportation, and safety gear; cadets provide the muscle and mentoring.

Military parade with uniformed soldiers marching on a grassy field in front of a large white castle-like building with a clock tower, American flag, and crowd of spectators in the background.

Our Mission

The Scarlet and Gold Foundation supports and enhances the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps program at The Citadel by providing resources that develop midshipmen into future Naval and Marine Corps leaders who embody excellence, discipline, and unwavering commitment.

Front view of a large battleship with three main gun turrets and radar equipment on the superstructure.