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Students

Our younger constituents are the future of our district. Providing students with information that can enhance their education is important to their development. Below are some resources that may be useful to young constituents. Please contact your congressional office for assistance with any questions or problems you may have. In addition, there are resources for parents.

Congressional Programs for Middle School and High School Students

1. The Congressional Award
Timeline: Year-Round
Age Group: Ages 14-24

The Congressional Award is the highest award for America’s youth presented by the U.S. Congress. It is a voluntary, non-competitive program wherein participants set their own personally challenging goals in four areas: Voluntary Public Service; Personal Development; Physical Fitness; and Expedition/Exploration. Adult advisors and validators vouch for hours completed and milestones reached. Gold Medalists are recognized at a national reception in Washington, DC in June. The congressional office offers training for youth participants and adult advisors. More information can be found at www.congressionalaward.org.

2. Congressional Art Competition
Timeline: Accepting Submissions February to April
Age Group: Grades 9-12

The Congressional Art Competition is a high school art competition held in congressional districts nationwide to encourage and recognize young artists. The annual art submission deadline is in April, and the winner is announced in early May. Winning art pieces are displayed in the Capitol for one year, and a reception for the artist winners is held in Washington, DC in June. More information can be found at sablan.house.gov.

3. Congressional App Challenge
Timeline: June - October (2021 Deadline: November 1, 2021)
Age Group: Grades 6-12

The Congressional App Challenge is an annual competition that encourages students to learn coding, apply technology in creative and problem-solving ways, and explore computer science and other STEM fields. Apps in any platform are accepted. Competitions are held district-wide, and the winner is announced in the winter. Students may compete individually or in teams of up to 4. Students do not submit source code, but rather a video demo uploaded to a streaming website. National App Challenge winners are invited to a reception in Washington, DC, where they can demonstrate their app and meet with other aspiring software developers from around the country. More information can be found at www.congressionalappchallenge.us.

4. API Heritage Month Essay Contest
Timeline: April - May
Age Group: Grades 6-12

In honor of API Heritage Month, Congressman Sablan’s office hosts an annual creative writing contest for Northern Marianas students. The writing prompt will encourage students to reflect on the APIA identity and the API community in the Northern Marianas, as well as the significance of having API Heritage Month nationally recognized. The winning essay per middle school and high school division will be featured on Congressman Sablan’s website and inserted in the Congressional Record.

5. Service Academy Congressional Nominations
Annual Deadline: Early December
Age Group: 17-23

The service academies are four-year, fully funded military colleges that grant a Bachelor’s of Science degree and a commission as a second lieutenant in the military upon graduation. Applying for a congressional nomination is the first step for students interested in attending a U.S. service academy. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, between 17 and 23 years of age, unmarried, and physically and academically fit in order to apply. Final appointments are made by the Academies. Printed nomination packets are available at the congressional offices in Saipan, Tinian, or Rota. More information can be found at sablan.house.gov.

6. Internships for High School Students (Through CNMI Public School System Co-Op Program ONLY)
Timeline: Fall and Spring Semesters
Age Group: 11th and 12th Grade

An internship at your congressional office provides a great opportunity for students to see first-hand how our government works. Interns gain valuable knowledge and experience through hands-on opportunities to learn about the legislative process and the operations of a Congressional office. To apply, high school students should submit their resumes to congressional staff during the Co-Op Job Fair held at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters.

Kindergarten-5th Grade

6th-12th Grade

College