(WHTM) — Senator Dave McCormick announced that the application portal for Pennsylvanians interested in his nomination to one of four U.S. service academies for the class of 2030 will open on April 7.

Applicants will need to be nominated to be eligible for appointment to a U.S. service academy of choice, according to McCormick.

“As a combat veteran and a West Point graduate, I know how critical the Academy nomination process is to ensure our service academy cohorts are exceptional and battle-ready,” McCormick said. “It is an extraordinary honor to be accepted to a service academy, and our rigorous process to select these appointees will reflect that. Attending West Point changed my life, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to play a role in the selection process for the next generation of outstanding military officers.”

McCormick said that members of Congress are responsible for nominating candidates for appointment to the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

It is important to note that individuals applying to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy do not need a congressional nomination for appointment.