WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) has begun accepting applications from high school students in Central and Southern Illinois seeking a nomination to a U.S. Service Academy for fall 2024. The deadline for applications will be November 17, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. CST. 

“As a Member of Congress, I have the incredible honor of nominating some of our best and brightest students to our nation’s service academies,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “I’m thrilled to be accepting my first round of applications from students across Central and Southern Illinois who are interested in entering the armed forces. I look forward to helping them in their pursuit of service and an outstanding education.”

Congresswoman Budzinski will nominate up to ten qualified high school students from Central and Southern Illinois 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 Budzinski’s website to learn more about the process and download an application. The website features specific instructions on the accompanying forms and required documents. Interested students are encouraged to start collecting everything needed for the packet as soon as possible.

The application process for a service academy nomination is open, and the deadline to submit is November 17, 2023.  

###