Alabama Congresswoman Sewell Opens Service Academy Nominations

Eligible students in Alabama’s 7th Congressional District can now apply for nominations from U.S. Representative Terri Sewell’s office to attend one of the nation’s military service academies, including the United States Military Academy at West Point, the United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, the United States Merchant Marine Academy, and the United States Coast Guard Academy. Congressional nominations are required for all except the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, which conducts its own admissions process.

“Nominating young people from Alabama’s 7th Congressional District to attend our nation’s military service academies is one of my most rewarding responsibilities as a Member of Congress,” said Rep. Sewell.

Sewell’s office said in a news release, “To be considered for a nomination, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements established by law and be legally domiciled within the boundaries of Alabama’s 7th Congressional District.”

What to Know Before Applying

As of July 1, of the year of admission, applicants must be at least 17 years old but not yet 23.
Be a U.S. citizen.
Be unmarried.
Not be pregnant.
Have no legal obligation to support children or other dependents.
Applicants must also meet the academic, medical, and physical requirements established by the academy to which they are applying.
Students seeking a congressional nomination must complete the nomination process through Rep. Sewell’s office in addition to completing the admissions application for the service academy or academies they wish to attend.
A completed nomination packet includes the required application materials, standardized test scores, three letters of recommendation, a high school transcript, and an official college transcript, if applicable.
Applicants are encouraged to include their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, leadership experience, awards, honors, and other accomplishments.
Completed nomination applications must be submitted to Rep. Sewell’s Birmingham office and postmarked no later than Wednesday, November 18, 2026.
Send completed nomination application to Office of Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell, Attn: Military Service Academy Nominations, Two, 20th Street North, Suite 1130, Birmingham, AL 35203.

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After the application deadline, a selection committee will review all completed applications and conduct interviews before recommending candidates for nominations. A congressional nomination does not guarantee a mission, as the service academy makes the final decision to offer an appointment.

“Our service academies offer an exceptional education, unparalleled leadership development, and the opportunity to serve our country. I encourage all eligible students who are committed to public service and interested in pursuing this path to apply,” said Sewell. “I look forward to supporting the next generation of Alabama leaders as they answer the call to serve.”

Service Academy Information Session

Students and their families can learn more about the service academy admissions and congressional nomination process at an information session hosted by the offices of Congresswoman Terri Sewell and Senator Katie Britt on Tuesday, September 29, at the Marion Military Institute Special Events Room of the Mess Hall located at 1101 Washington Street, Marion, AL 36756. Registration will start at 4 with the session beginning at 5 p.m.

For more information, including eligibility requirements, application materials, and instructions for submitting a nomination application, visit https://sewell.house.gov/service-academy.