U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer said Monday that he will host a virtual information session on Wednesday, Aug. 26 for students interested in attending one of the nation’s military service academies.

As a member of Congress, Kilmer can nominate students to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York; the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut, does not require a nomination.

The Aug. 26 session will begin at 5 p.m., according to Kilmer’s office. All prospective service academy students must RSVP to Rob.Richards@mail.house.gov in order to receive instructions to join the event online.

Most students applying to a service academy seek a nomination from one of their senators or representatives. But there are other ways to earn a nomination, Andrew Wright, Kilmer’s communications director, said. For example, active-duty personnel, ROTC cadets, children of service members who have received the Medal of Honor or are disabled, deceased or missing in action, and students nominated by the president or vice president can also earn a spot at the service academies.

Attendance is not mandatory in order to be considered for nomination, Wright said. Students who are unable to attend or who have questions about the application process should contact Kilmer’s Tacoma office by calling 253-272-3515.