ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Beginning April 7, U.S. Senator Tom Udall will accept applications for nominations to U.S. military service academies. Throughout April, members of Udall's staff will host several information sessions across the state for high school students and recent graduates who are interested in applying.

Four of the five service academies - the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy - require a congressional, vice-presidential or service-connected nomination. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a nomination.

Representatives from Udall's office, the New Mexico congressional delegation and the military service academies will be available at the upcoming information sessions to field questions from prospective applicants and parents.

"Each year, I have the privilege of nominating outstanding young people from across New Mexico to our nation's military service academies," Udall said. "The service academy information sessions offer a great opportunity to learn more about the nominating process, and to meet with representatives from the different academies and from New Mexico collegiate ROTC programs."

U. S. military service academies are among the most competitive colleges in the nation and provide those who enroll with an excellent education and opportunities for leadership in both military and civilian life.

Nomination applications for consideration by Udall are due Oct. 9, 2015. Prospective applicants are encouraged to begin the application process well in advance.

Applications can be submitted online at http://tomudall.senate.gov/academy. For questions, please visit Udall's website or contact his Albuquerque office at (505) 346-6791.

The schedule for information sessions follows:

Thurs., April 9, 2015
WHAT: Military Service Academy Information Session
WHEN: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
WHERE: Farmington High School Library
2200 N. Sunset Ave.
Farmington, NM 87401

Thurs., April 16, 2015
WHAT: Military Service Academy Information Session
WHEN: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
WHERE: Mayfield High School Library
1955 N. Valley Dr.
Las Cruces, NM 88007

Tues., April 21, 2015
WHAT: Military Service Academy Information Session
WHEN: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
WHERE: St. Michael's High School Library
100 Siringo Rd.
Santa Fe, NM 87505

Thurs., April 23, 2015
WHAT: Military Service Academy Information Session
WHEN: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
WHERE: Cibola High School Performing Arts Center
1510 Ellison Rd. NW
Albuquerque, NM 87114

Tues., April 28, 2015
WHAT: Military Service Academy Information Session
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
WHERE: New Mexico Military Institute - Pearson Auditorium
101 W. College Blvd.
Roswell, NM 88201