Central South Dakota News

U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) has announced that his office is accepting applications from high school seniors interested in attending a U.S. service academy after graduation.

“Each year, I am honored to nominate our nation’s future military leaders to U.S. service academies,” said Rounds. “By attending an academy, not only will students have the opportunity to serve our nation and help lead the best military in the world, but they will receive an excellent education at a top-notch institution. I encourage young South Dakotans looking to answer the call of duty to consider applying to one of our service academies.”

Applications for nominations are open for students seeking entry into the 2026-2027 freshman class, which is designated as the Class of 2030. The deadline for submitting applications is October 10, 2025. The available nominations include four major institutions: The United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, The United States Military Academy at West Point, The United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, and The United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point.

High school seniors and their families who want more information about the application process can contact Senator Rounds’ Rapid City office by phone or email. Further details and application materials are also accessible on Senator Rounds’ official website at https://www.rounds.senate.gov/constituents/academy-nominations.