In this Edition:
Academy Featured Prominently at Service Nation Summit
Ten More Members of Congress Sign On To Academy bill
Academy Scores Big Bipartisan Endorsements
College Leaders Embrace Academy
Spring Internships Available - Apply Now
Look Sharp in an Academy Shirt
“I would like to see [the U.S. Public Service Academy] happen and I hope it does one of these days.”
Sandra Day O’Connor
Former Justice, U.S. Supreme Court
Academy Featured Prominently at Service Nation Summit
The Public Service Academy was one of the bold ideas presented at the Service Nation Summit on September 12. Service Nation, a bipartisan coalition of more than 100 of America’s top service organizations, included the creation of the Public Service Academy in its ten-point policy platform that was given to the presidential candidates. During a plenary session, both Vanessa Kirsch (president of New Profit Inc.) and Lt. Gen. Benjamin Freakley (U.S. Army) raved about the Academy. To cap it off, Sen. Hillary Clinton used her closing keynote address to explain why the Public Service Academy is one of the key legislative proposals that would enhance service in America.
Ten More Members of Congress Sign On To Academy bill
Despite the press of other issues on Capitol Hill, three senators and seven representatives became official co-sponsors of the Academy bill last month- we now have 23 senators and 123 representatives signed on. Recent co-sponsors include: Senators Max Baucus (MT); Robert Casey (PA); and Jay Rockefeller (WV); and Representatives Thomas Allen (ME); Emanuel Cleaver (MO); Kendrick Meek (FL); Jerrold Nadler (NY); Frank Pallone (NJ); Allyson Schwartz (PA); and Mark Udall (CO). We plan to re-introduce the bill early in the next Congress.
Academy Scores Big Bipartisan Endorsements
Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico and retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor both endorsed the Academy. The support of these two political giants - one a Democrat, the other a Republican - shows the bipartisan appeal of our initiative. It also reveals the strength of our National Youth Council - our young council members and Regional Coordinators were responsible for winning both endorsements.
College Leaders Embrace Academy
Fifty of the most visionary leaders in American higher education have publicly embraced our initiative to build a civilian counterpart to the military service academies. They often learned about our effort from their own students and alumni - our National Youth Council has been instrumental in winning endorsements. Though their reasons vary, these college leaders share a belief that the Academy will become a flagship national institution, a vital hub for scholarly activity and resources that will expand the pool of students interested in public service. Recent endorsers include:
Spring Internships Available - Apply Now
Interested in doing serious work that is substantive, important, and paid? Apply now for a spring internship with the Academy! If you are a college student, graduate student, or recent graduate, then you are eligible to apply for an internship. Simply download an application and apply online.
Look Sharp in an Academy Shirt
You can purchase a red, 100% cotton Academy t-shirt ($10) or a snazzy polo shirt ($28) with an embroidered Public Service Academy logo. Simply contact us and let us know your shirt size and mailing address.