Jackson Free Press

In the early 1800s, when the United States recognized a need for military leadership, President Thomas Jefferson authorized the creation of West Point, a school uniquely crafted to address these needs with a specially designed curriculum like none other in the country. Two hundred years later, the tradition of military service and leadership still thrives.

Although civilian service naturally complements military service, we lack an institution dedicated to training civilian leaders. And while millions of Americans spend hours each year volunteering, fewer and fewer graduates are choosing to pursue careers in public service: fields like law enforcement, emergency response, education and health care. These fields are vital to the future of our country, and redefining their place in our communities is both necessary and long overdue. It's time to create that civilian counterpart—the U.S. Public Service Academy.

Today's high school and college students are more interested in engagement and public service than ever before. The 2008 presidential election affirmed that. They experienced 9/11 and the response to Hurricane Katrina firsthand, and they know how much we all depend on efficient and committed public servants.

The proposed U.S. Public Service Academy can tap the enthusiasm of young people and combat the burgeoning problem of an aging civic work force. Like the military academies, the Public Service Academy will be tuition-free for students. In exchange, they make a commitment to serve as public servants at the local, federal and state levels for five years post-graduation. Because of their experience and education at the Academy, graduates will be fast-tracked to leadership roles within their field.

I have great faith in the Public Service Academy because of my wonderful experience as an Americorps National Civilian Community Corps volunteer. During my 10 months of service, I realized how important public service truly is. Unfortunately, I also saw how much support and resources for this kind of service were lacking. I believe that the Public Service Academy will instill a new kind of trust and belief in one's government that has disappeared in this country. I know that my generation, especially, can take this opportunity to support the Public Service Academy and the ideals of altruism and volunteerism that it upholds.

The U.S. Public Service Academy Act, recently introduced in the House of Representatives, has bipartisan support from four Senate and 56 House co-sponsors. Hundreds of young people, from Maine to California, have joined youth advisory councils to communicate their support. Three former superintendents of West Point, as well as more than 90 college and university presidents, have all similarly endorsed the idea; leaders from across the political spectrum, from Mike Huckabee and Sandra Day O'Connor to Madeleine Albright and Hillary Clinton have declared their support for the proposed Academy.

But the Academy needs your help to become a reality. It needs you to get in touch with your congressman and senators, and let them know that you support the Public Service Academy.