Western Illinois Congresswoman Cheri Bustos reminding 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.

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/

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