Born from the vision of the Academy's 37th Superintendent, Rear Admiral R.C. Olsen, Jr., the Institute for Leadership at the United States Coast Guard Academy is both the coordinating body for supplementary leadership and ethics programs at USCGA and a growing academic think tank. The Institute aims to serve as one of the nation's leading research organizations, and, ultimately, to develop unique, purpose-built “brick and mortar” facilities on the campus of the Academy.

Mission and Purpose
Currently, the activities of the Institute support three distinct goals:

• To develop and deliver innovative/high-impact programs to the Corps of Cadets: Such programs will enhance cadets' education, help the Corps better appreciate their CGA experience as it is occurring, instill pride in the Academy, and strengthen the confidence and skills necessary to perform as a junior Coast Guard officer.
• To help raise the national prominence of the Coast Guard Academy: By better publicizing the activities of the Institute and by working with the USCGA Admissions office, the Institute strives to increase recognition of the Academy as the college experience that offers leadership development second to none.
• To design and market a generic leadership model: Making available a set of materials and supportive research to advance the philosophy and approach of leadership development as a life-long learning experience.
  
  Note, the Institute grapples with the very real differences between "training" and "education" and advocates the ability of each to contribute to cadet learning and development. The Institute aims to enhance and complement existing programs, not to substitute or displace them. Coast Guard Program Manager involvement from Headquarters also contributes significantly to the development the Institute’s goals. A long-term vision for offering services to wider audiences might include hosting the professional leadership curriculum for the Department of Homeland Security, other government agencies or possibly even constituents in the private sector.