I am pleased to have the opportunity to nominate students of California’s 45th District to U.S. service academies. These individuals are the future of our country, and it is an honor to help them pursue their dreams.

All of the five United States military service academies offer world-class education and provide young people with a chance to serve their nation as a commissioned officer in the armed forces.

Each year, I can nominate up to 10 qualified students of California's 45th District to each of the U.S. service academies.  The following academies require a nomination from a Member of Congress in order to receive an appointment to the academy: 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.

To begin the process of nomination, students can access the academy nomination application directly from my website. This form is also available by calling one of my district offices and asking for it to be mailed.  The deadline for completing the initial application form is November 1. If there are difficulties meeting this deadline, please contact my Academy Nomination Coordinator, Karen Brown, at my Hemet district office at 951-658-2312. Exceptions are made with cause.

To complete the application for nomination, students should complete the following requirements:

  1. Complete and return an application form (this should be done first).
  2. Complete a resume listing activities, awards and accomplishments.
  3. Submit a 350-500 word essay on why they want to attend the academy.
  4. Provide a copy of current high school and college transcripts, plus class rank.
  5. Submit a copy of SAT and/or ACT scores.
  6. Send three letters of recommendation.
  7. Provide a wallet sized or 3x5 photo.
  8. Complete a one-page, hand-written (in cursive) essay about how the Honor Code is relevant to their life experiences.

NOTE:  Please mail all of the above to my Hemet Office:
Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack
1600 E. Florida Ave., #301
Hemet, CA  92544

Upon completion and receipt of the application, applicants are interviewed by members of my Academy Nominations Selection Committee, which includes members of my Congressional staff, respected members of the community and military officers.

For more information please call my Academy Nomination Coordinator, Karen Brown, at (951) 658-2312.

Learn more about each academy and the admission process at their web sites: 

United States Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, Colorado) 

United States Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point, New York)

United States Military Academy at West Point (West Point, New York) 

United States Naval Academy (Annapolis, Maryland)

*A congressional nomination is not needed for the Coast Guard Academy.