Assemblyman David G. McDonough recently announced that a new Cadet Appointment Program, recently approved by the New York State Legislature, will enable Governor George Pataki, State Senators and Members of the Assembly to nominate eligible students to attend the State University of New York (SUNY) Maritime College as part of its prestigious Regiment of Cadets. Under the program, which was supported by Assemblyman McDonough, an applicant who receives such a nomination and who is accepted for admission into the college, participates in the Regiment of Cadets and receives a tuition scholarship equal to the amount of the state tuition charge for the four consecutive years following his or her admission into the program.

"As a former member of the United States Coast Guard and United States Air Force I was extremely proud to be able to support a program that will train future leaders in government and private industry," McDonough said.

Maritime College is the oldest maritime school in the nation and one of the original schools chartered into the SUNY system and has been training cadets since 1874. The college's curriculum blends classroom instruction with three summers of international travel aboard America's best equipped training vessel, Empire State VI, where students can polish their skills at the helm of a 565 ft, ship or at the throttle of its 1,700-horsepower engine. This unique combination of theoretical and hands-on practical learning leads to an outstanding 100% percent career placement rate. With an intense and specialized preparation for the broad spectrum of science, technology, engineering and business opportunities within the maritime industry and beyond, Maritime graduates are equipped with the leadership and teamwork skills necessary to excel as successful citizens of the world.

Students who wish to seek a nomination from Assemblyman McDonough must have a combined SAT score of 1200, a high school GPA of at least 85 percent, have demonstrated leadership and community service experience and be residents of the 19th Assembly District. All applications are evaluated on an individual basis. Completed applications must be postmarked by March 30. For application materials for admission to Maritime College through the Cadet Appointment Program, please contact Assemblyman McDonough's office at 731-8830 or contact the Maritime College Office of Admissions directly, by calling (718) 409-7222, (800) 642-1874 or by e-mail at www.sunymaritime.edu.