News Release

Washington, D.C. – Students who are interested in attending one of the nation’s four service academies are encouraged to get started on the application process now, encouraged Idaho Senator Mike Crapo. Every year, Crapo nominates selected Idaho students to the following: the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado; the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York; the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, New York; and the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland. Interested students need to submit an application and references and meet certain scholastic requirements for consideration in the next academic year.

“Each year, it is an honor to encourage Idaho students to attend our nation’s service academies,“ Crapo said. “The academies offer one of the finest educational experiences available in our country, and I urge students who are thinking about higher education options to seriously consider one of the service academies. The learning environment and opportunities to serve our country are unparalleled. Since the application process is quite rigorous, it is always good to get started on it as soon as possible.”

Students may apply to both United States Senators from their home states and the U.S. Representative from their congressional district as well as the Vice President of the United States. The names of students nominated by Crapo will be forwarded to each service academy, where final appointments are made by the individual institution. A nomination is not an acceptance but simply means that the student may now compete for an appointment.

Those wishing to apply for a nomination to the next class, entering in 2009, should contact Crapo’s Academy representative, Karen Roetter, at (208) 664-5490 or visit http://crapo.senate.gov for more information. Applications must be submitted no later than October 31, 2008.