Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) reminded interested students that she is accepting applications from high school students for nominations to the United States Service Academies for the class entering in the fall of 2020. The deadline for submitting a completed nomination packet to Congresswoman Bustos’ office is Friday, November 1, 2019.
“Our military academies provide students with the opportunity to receive an outstanding education while also serving our nation,” Congresswoman Bustos said. “I encourage all students interested in this opportunity to submit an application to my office as soon as possible. Young leaders who answer the call to serve give me hope for the future of our nation. I look forward to reviewing applications and nominating qualified Illinois students for this high honor.”
Each year, Congresswoman Bustos has the honor of nominating up to ten qualified young people from Illinois’ 17th Congressional District for attendance at four service academies: the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY, the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY.
Students interested in applying should visit Congresswoman Bustos’ website to learn more about the process and download an application. The website features specific instructions on the accompanying forms and required documents, including an application form, an essay, high school transcript, ACT/SAT scores and letters of recommendation. Since these materials take time to compile, interested students are encouraged to start obtaining the materials needed for the packet as soon as possible.
Each applicant for a nomination must meet the following eligibility requirements as of July 1st of the year of admission to an academy:
- Age: Be at least 17 years old, but not have passed the 23rd birthday
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen
- Marital Status: Must be unmarried, not pregnant, and without legal obligation to support children or other dependents
- Residence: Must reside within the boundaries of the 17th Congressional District of Illinois.
- Skill / Fitness: Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy.
For further information, answers to frequently asked questions as well as an application packet, please visit: https://bustos.house.gov/helping-you/military-academy-nominations-faq/
Contact Congresswoman Bustos’ Rock Island office at (309) 786-3406 with any further questions about the application process.
***Report Courtesy of the Office of Congresswoman Cheri Bustos***
