Opportunities for Tomorrow's Leaders
During my visits throughout Nebraska's Third District, I am always impressed by the quality of people I meet with. From residents at senior centers to the youngest of students, Nebraskans embody the qualities our nation needs as we enter an historic time.
I am consistently impressed by the interest shown by students in our district to be part of the solution to the challenges we face today. It is our responsibility to provide opportunities for the youth of our communities to reach their full potential which is one of the reasons I formed my Youth Advisory Council, to give high school students a voice in how their government represents them.
The Youth Advisory Council is a forum to discuss the concerns of young people, providing the opportunity for insight and involvement in government and communities. The Council is open to high school students who will be juniors or seniors in the fall and are nominated by their teachers, principals, or guidance counselors.
For more information on the Youth Advisory Council, interested students should contact my Grand Island office at 308-384-3900.
As high school students look to the future, many may feel the call to apply for nomination to one of our nation's prestigious military service academies.
I am honored to nominate qualified individuals committed to serving our nation. Applicants meet personally with my Academy Advisory Committee and are judged on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, career motivation, personal traits, letters of recommendation, essays, and personal interviews.
Students attending the U.S. Service Academies (Military, Naval, and Air Force) are on active duty from the day they enter their chosen Academy.
Serving in any one of the military service academies is both an honor and a tremendous commitment. For more information about eligibility requirements, contact my Scottsbluff office at 308-633-6333 or your high school guidance counselor.
High school students may also consider serving our nation as a Congressional Page. Every year, fewer than 100 young men and women are appointed to serve as Pages. Past Pages include Members of Congress, Governors, and notable Americans including Tiger Woods and Bill Gates.
The House of Representatives Page Program is nearly 200 years old. While continuing their high school education, pages work on Capitol Hill assisting Members of Congress and congressional staff and experience up close how Congress works.
Applicants must be 16 years of age at the time of their appointment and have a "B" average or better. In addition to the application form and transcript, students will need to submit an essay, three letters of recommendation (one from a current teacher), and extracurricular activities. For more information, contact my Washington D.C. office at 202-225-6435.
Each year, I am proud to offer a limited number of internships in either my Washington D.C. office or one of my district offices. These internships provide invaluable work experience for college students interested in government and public service.
For more information on interning in one of my offices, college students can contact any of my congressional offices for more details.
These are just a few ways young people in Nebraska can strive to reach every opportunity presented to them. I also encourage students to check with their guidance counselors, local chambers of commerce, economic development councils, and other organizations and businesses for more ways to get involved.
There are tremendous opportunities at all levels for young people willing to work hard. I have made it a priority to connect students with these experiences. Our greatest resource is in the next generation, and I look forward to seeing what they have to offer.