Priority consideration for applicants from high schools with above-average military enlistment rates

(a) Priority consideration for Military Service Academy applicants The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of the Navy, and the Secretary of the Air Force, shall establish a policy to provide priority consideration for admission to the military service academies (the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, and the United States Coast Guard Academy) for applicants who are graduates of high schools with military enlistment rates above the State average. (b) Eligibility criteria for priority consideration (1) In general To be eligible for priority consideration, a high school must meet the following criteria: (A) The high school’s military enlistment rate exceeds the State average for high schools in the same grade band (9th through 12th grade). (B) The high school demonstrates ongoing support for military service and provide resources for students interested in military careers, including access to recruiters, Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) programs, and military preparatory coursework. (C) The school has a documented history of encouraging students to pursue military service as a viable post-graduation option. (2) Priority status Applicants from eligible high schools shall receive priority status in the admissions process for each respective military service academy, including consideration for appointments and appointments from congressional nominations.