The NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) invites high school students from all over the country to share a weeklong educational fellowship in our nation’s capital while vying for college scholarships. The mission of the Y.E.S. program is to allow students to explore their passion for our American government, Bill of Rights, and the U.S. Constitution. The summit encourages students to become responsible citizens who participate in the democratic process and empower them to return to their communities with a proactive voice for the Second Amendment.
The Youth Education Summit is not solely about touring Washington, D.C. This summit offers an enriching educational experience that includes a total of $40,000 in college scholarships for students who display strong leadership abilities and a deep understanding of the week's activities, which encompass debates, seminars, public speaking, and more. Since its inception in 1996, more than 1,200 students have graduated from Y.E.S and more than $700,000 in scholarships have been awarded. Funding for Y.E.S. comes from monies raised at Friends of NRA events and The NRA Foundation.
Y.E.S. is open to current high school sophomores and juniors across the country. Aspiring participants must complete an application and submit their high school transcript, a three-page essay on the Second Amendment, a personal statement, and three letters of recommendation. Y.E.S. will be held July 22-27, 2025. Due to the anticipated high volume of applications, the application window is open for a limited time. To find out more about the Youth Education Summit, including infrequently asked questions, please visit yes.nra.org. To make a lasting contribution by donating to the Y.E.S. Scholarship Fund: https://yes.nra.org/donate
Attendees will compete for college scholarships based on their leadership skills, teamwork, performances in debates, and participation throughout the week. Students with an interest in becoming NRA Ambassadors for a year can submit a portfolio of their projects for a chance at the Grand Scholarship.
Students can expect an action-packed week that includes:
- Meeting with NRA leadership
- Target practice at the NRA range
- Touring of the National Firearms Museum
- Practicing debates at Hillsdale College’s Center for Constitutional Studies & Citizenship
- Vieweing the Constitution and Bill of Rights in person at the National Archives
- Touring D.C. monuments and memorials
- Meeting with Congressmen & Congresswomen
- Taking an inside look at the U.S. Capitol Building
- Visiting the Supreme Court
- Exploring the National Museum of American History
- Walking around the Iwo Jima Memorial
- Attending the 8th & I Parade
- Walking the grounds of Mount Vernon
- Paying respect at Arlington National Cemetery
Entry into the Y.E.S. program requires submission of a completed application form, high school transcript, a three-page essay on the Second Amendment, a one-page personal statement and three letters of recommendation. These students are the best and brightest among their high school peers, actively engaging in academics, clubs and community service.
Check out video highlights of the 2024 Y.E.S. Summit here, and go here to apply for the 2025 Summit!
NRA Y.E.S. participants are treated to private meetups with NRA leadership.
