The NRA Foundation is proud to support organizations across the country to further their impact in the shooting sports world. One of these programs we are thrilled to partner with is the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP®), the largest youth archery organization in the world.
NASP® is a 501(c)(3) organization committed to supporting the mission of educators and grow the shooting sports. Since 2002, they have provided safe and enjoyable archery lessons to more than 23.5 million student archers in grades 4-12. NASP® is in 49 states and 10 Canadian provinces along with the British Virgin Islands and New Zealand. They have successfully trained thousands of adults to become Basic Archery Instructors and eventually serve as role models and mentors for their student archers.
The National Archery in the Schools Program promotes instruction in international-style target archery as part of in-school curriculum, to improve educational performance and participation in the shooting sports among students.
Initially, it started as an effort to grow archery and motivate young people to learn a life skill and outdoor recreation, but it quietly transformed into a life changing in-school activity that brought out the best in students and reached students that had previously been hard to reach.
From improved safety awareness, accountability, sportsmanship, and academic improvements, not only has it provided more than just skills in archery and shooting, but also has fostered personal development, team collaboration, and a commitment to conservation.
Matt Thornhill, principal of Wiliam Natcher Elementary School in Bowling Green, Kentucky stated, “Archery gives a sense of belonging to kids who don’t feel they belong at school. Kids who join archery make new friendships – it is an opportunity to be a leader and shine.”
Another principal, Jamie Campbell from Paul Blazer High School shared, “Everyone feels welcome in archery. Archery is the most inclusive program, with students from every socioeconomic background, race, and family situation. Everyone is able to succeed!”
Each year, The NRA Foundation sources over $500k in archery supplies from NASP. Our two organizations leverage our buying power to get the absolute best price on archery supplies. Those supplies go to school-based NASP programs all over the country, as well as BSA, 4-H programs, and others. We are delighted to collaborate with NASP as both a financial supporter and buyer.
Tommy Floyd, President of National Archery in the Schools Program explains, “There has never been a more critical time for shooting sports organizations to support each other. As the largest youth archery organization in the world, we value our NRA Foundation partnership!”
A resounding success, since 2002, the year NASP® was founded, overall archery participation in the U.S. has grown from 7 million to 19.2 million. According to NASP, “While there are certainly many other factors, we have no doubt that NASP® has helped to contribute to this remarkable growth.” With 66% of their participants being first-time archers, they are making a tremendous impact on the future of the shooting sports.
Learn more about NRA Foundation grants: https://www.nrafoundation.org/grants/
*Photo Credit: National Archery in the Schools Program
