WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today Congressman David Wu announced that he is accepting applications from eligible students who would like to be nominated to the United States military academies.  A congressional nomination is required before most students are accepted to a military academy.

"Attendance at a service academy is an excellent way for motivated students to further their education at no cost, while making a clear commitment to our country's future," said Wu.  "I am proud to recognize the talent, patriotism, and dedication of students in the 1st Congressional District through a nomination to one or more of the United States military academies."

This year, outstanding students will be nominated by Congressman Wu to attend one of four military academies: the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.  Students may apply for more than one academy.  Attendance at the US Coast Guard Academy does not require a congressional nomination.

Service academies offer an undergraduate college degree at no financial cost to the student.  Students must exemplify academic excellence, and serve a term in the U.S. military upon graduation.  Candidates must be U.S. citizens, unmarried (with no dependents), and between 17 and 22 years of age.

Congressman Wu will be accepting applications postmarked on or before November 1, 2008.  Interviews will be scheduled on Saturday, November 15, 2008.  

Applications must include information about a candidate's academic record and extracurricular activities, a brief essay on why the candidate would like to attend a service academy, and three letters of recommendation, among other information.  To obtain a full list of required application information or ask any other questions about the academy nomination process, please contact Congressman Wu's Portland office at 503-326-2901.