Description:

The National Rifle Association launched the National Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) in 1996 in an effort to encourage America's youth to become active and knowledgeable citizens. The Summit is a seven-day, expenses-paid leadership week in Washington, D.C.

Each year, the NRA selects the best and the brightest students to visit the nation's capital where participants learn the significance of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights while developing an understanding of federal government and the importance of active participation. Students tour the U.S. Capitol, the National Archives Museum, the Pentagon, the NRA National Firearms Museum, and many of the memorials and monuments in Washington, D.C.

Students also have the opportunity to compete for up to $10,000 in college scholarships, awarded to those who excel during the week’s activities, including individual speeches and debates. Students also compete for a $20,000 scholarship after they attend Y.E.S. Each participant has eight months to develop a portfolio describing how he or she promoted NRA programs, such as the Eddie Eagle GunSafe® program, in the participant’s community.

Current high school sophomores and juniors with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) are eligible to apply. The application process is highly competitive consisting of a Second Amendment essay, personal statement, submission of high school transcripts and three recommendations.

North Carolina and Pennsylvania have a state Y.E.S. program, which applicants must attend before National Y.E.S.

 

Applicable Majors: