What is the most critical goal for the up-and-coming generation of Americans? If you ask us, it's a reverence for truth, an understanding of American history, and the ability to think critically. That's why the NRA created the Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) program in 1996; to equip the next generation with the knowledge and skills needed to carry on the legacy of freedom.
This week-long, expenses-paid adventure for rising high school juniors and seniors, funded by Friends of NRA and The NRA Foundation, fosters intellectual curiosity, lifelong friendships, and (perhaps most impressively) scholarships that support higher education. In the last 29 years, more than 900 students have graduated from Y.E.S., and over $700,000 in college scholarships have been awarded.
This summer, 32 outstanding students from across the country united for a weeklong experience focused on leadership, education, and patriotism. The Y.E.S. adventure always begins at NRA's Headquarters in Fairfax, Virginia, where students meet with top-level NRA executives to talk about the organization and how we carry out our mission. The next step: a trip to our world-class public range, where range officers work with the teens one-on-one to learn about gun safety while shooting some of the cooler firearms in our collection.
We begin at the NRA Headquarters and Range because the Y.E.S. application process does not require firearms proficiency or extensive knowledge of the Second Amendment. We welcome students from all educational backgrounds, including public schools, private schools, and homeschool settings, because we believe that a strong foundation in gun safety and Second Amendment principles empowers young adults to form informed opinions based on facts rather than emotion.
A key component of the Y.E.S. experience is "Debate Day." Students are assigned a topic along with a position, either for or against, to argue. This exercise encourages independent and critical thinking by challenging participants to explore perspectives they may not personally hold. It also reveals how these important issues are debated on a national level.
Of course, truly understanding America’s civic landscape wouldn’t be complete without some fun. Afternoons are filled with engaging and educational experiences, from viewing the Constitution and Bill of Rights at the National Archives, to touring D.C.’s iconic monuments and memorials. Students visit renowned museums, take an inside look at the U.S. Capitol Building, and explore the National Museum of American History. The week also includes attending the 8th & I Parade and paying respects at Arlington National Cemetery.
It is a balance between honoring the profound solemnity of American history and celebrating the bright promise of our future. Over the course of the week, the brilliant young scholars both reinforce the fundamentals of American freedoms and examine their own ideals ... all while forming lifelong friendships.
The end of the week is always bittersweet, both for the Y.E.S. alumni and for us. This year, Benelli CEO, Tom Debolt, spoke to the students at the awards dinner, and highlighted the ways in which serving the Second Amendment is the same as serving all Americans. It's common for tears to be shed when it's time for good-byes ... but the announcement of scholarships helps to ease the parting, and this year was no exception. We are proud to recognize the following scholarship recipients:
$1000 Colton G.
$1000 Justice S.
$1000 Aydri R.
$1000 Kolin R.
$1000 Julian F.
$2000 Jacob S.
$2000 Campbell B.
$3000 Mary C.
$4000 Elie A.
$4000 Sam P.
Scholarships are paid directly to the accredited college or technical school of the student’s choice. This, however, isn't the end of the Y.E.S. story for 2025 participants! Students who are interested in becoming NRA Ambassadors can submit applications the following year for a chance to receive the Grand Scholarship!
For more information, Visit YES.NRA.org. Applications for the 2026 Session Open in Fall 2025.
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