Join us for the 24th annual NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.). Y.E.S. is an all-expense-paid, six-day leadership and scholarship program for rising high school juniors and seniors, held in the Washington, D.C. area.
For over two decades, the NRA's Youth Education Summit has gathered some of the brightest, most ambitious, and patriotic youth from across the nation to spend an unforgettable week in our nation's capital. During this week-long educational summit, students will have the opportunity to engage with political leaders, visit historic monuments, and showcase their skills in competitive debates—all while competing for college scholarships.
The Youth Education Summit is more than just a visit to Washington, D.C.; it's a comprehensive scholarship-based experience aimed at encouraging students to explore the workings of American government, the Bill of Rights, and the U.S. Constitution. Y.E.S. inspires students to become responsible citizens who actively participate in the democratic process and return to their communities as advocates for the Second Amendment.
What to Expect During Y.E.S.
Students can look forward to an action-packed week that includes:
- Meetings with NRA leadership
- Target practice at the NRA range
- Tours of the National Firearms Museum
- Debates on current issues
- Viewing the Constitution and Bill of Rights at the National Archives
- Tours of Washington D.C. monuments and memorials
- An inside look at the U.S. Capitol Building
- Visit to the American History Museum
- Attending the Marine Barracks, 8th & I Parade
- Paying respect at Arlington National Cemetery
- Opportunities to earn college scholarships
- Connecting with other like-minded students from across the U.S.
- And MORE!
Past Y.E.S. participant, John C. from Minnesota, shared, “Y.E.S. helped me gain the confidence and skills required to move up into leadership and management in my career. Without Y.E.S., I wouldn’t have understood the value of presenting myself and my intentions clearly and directly.”
Y.E.S. not only provides a valuable educational experience but also opens doors to college scholarships, with up to $40,000 in awards awaiting students who excel in leadership and demonstrate a deep understanding of the week's activities. Since Y.E.S. was established in 1996, over $700,000 in scholarships have been awarded, which was made possible through Friends of NRA fundraising and The NRA Foundation.
Applications are now open for the 2025 Youth Education Summit, scheduled for July 22nd-July 27th, 2025. Current high school sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply. To enter, students must submit a completed application through an online portal, along with their high school transcript, a three-page essay on the Second Amendment, a personal statement, and three letters of recommendation. The application deadline is January 19th, 2025.
Please note, if you are a resident of Idaho, you must apply to and attend the Idaho State Summit before being eligible to attend the National Y.E.S. The Idaho application can be found on our website, Idaho State Summits.
If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to the Y.E.S. scholarship fund, please visit Donate to Y.E.S. Your donation will help invest in the next generation of leaders!
For more information about the NRA Youth Education Summit, to apply, read frequently asked questions, or donate, visit our website at www.yes.nra.org.
Questions? Contact us at [email protected]
