Reed, Whitehouse to Host Military Service Academy Day on Saturday, April 27

WARWICK, RI –  On Saturday, April 27, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse will host a U.S. Military Service Academy Day for high school students from schools across Rhode Island.  The event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Rhode Island Army National Guard Armory, 541 Airport Rd., Warwick, RI.

This informational seminar is open to all high school students and their parents who are interested in learning about the requirements and procedures for seeking a Congressional nomination and obtaining an appointment to one of the United States Service Academies.

 “I am very proud each year to nominate outstanding young Rhode Islanders for admission to our nation’s prestigious service academies,” said Senator Reed, who was nominated for an appointment to the United States Military Academy by Senator John O. Pastore and graduated from West Point in 1971.  Reed serves as the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.  “Academy Day helps interested Rhode Island students to learn about the many available opportunities afforded by our nation’s military academies and familiarizes them with the application and nomination process.”

“It’s an honor to take part in nominating bright, talented, patriotic young Rhode Islanders for our service academies,” said Senator Whitehouse.  “This workshop helps young people make the strongest possible case for their admission.  That includes hearing directly from an accomplished West Point grad, Senator Reed, about the application process and the experience of attending one of these prestigious institutions.”

Representatives from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Merchant Marine, and Coast Guard Academies, along with ROTC spokespersons from Providence College and the University of Rhode Island, will be on hand to answer questions and distribute information about their respective programs.  Additionally, Senators Reed and Whitehouse will discuss procedures for seeking a Congressional nomination from each of their respective offices.

Students wishing to attend service academies must meet high academic and physical standards.  Applicants must be legal Rhode Island residents and United States citizens, at least 17 years of age, with no children or other legal dependents.  Students attending the service academies are on active duty starting the day they enter an academy. 

Students of all backgrounds are encouraged to attend because every service academy is free of cost.  The federal government covers tuition, room and board, and other associated costs.

For those interested in attending a Service Academy starting in the 2020-2021 academic year, the application deadline for a nomination is Tuesday, October 15, 2019.