WICHITA – As students begin heading back to school soon, Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) is reminding constituents that applications from students in the 4th District of Kansas to be nominated for a service academy are due Sunday, Oct. 1.

Every year, Members of Congress may nominate up to ten candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy, West Point, N.Y.; the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD.; the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo.; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, N.Y. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, CT., does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

“Students who attend a service academy receive a first-class education and are part of an elite group of young Americans who serve our country in uniform,” said Rep. Estes. “I encourage students with an interest in military service and the eagerness to take the next step in their educational journey to apply for one of these coveted spots.”

Students from the 4th District who apply will be interviewed by a panel of local community leaders at Rep. Estes’ Wichita District Office in November. Their interview will be followed by a one-on-one meeting with Rep. Estes. Academies make the final selection for appointments based on additional evaluations.

Interested students should review candidate requirements and apply online at estes.house.gov/serviceby Sunday, Oct. 1. Questions about the nominating process should be directed to the Office of Congressman Ron Estes at 316-262-8992.