If you're the parent of a high-school sophomore or junior and you're looking for a 2017 adventure that just might net your teen a very nice scholarship, look into the National NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.). Applications are now open, and competition for one of the coveted 55 or so slots can be quite intense. Y.E.S. is essentially an expenses-paid weeklong educational experience, but there's much more to it than that. To be held next year in Washington, D.C. from July 24 – July 30, Y.E.S. is an adventure in citizenship that will bring your teen a new perspective on what it means to be an American...and net them lifelong friends to boot. There's little time to waste: Applications must be postmarked by Jan. 13, 2017.
“I would recommend this program to anyone,” said former Y.E.S. participant Anna Sommers from Burlington, Wisconsin. “It’s an unforgettable experience that can’t fully be summed up in words. The friends made and the knowledge I gained on this trip can be found nowhere else. This trip made me incredibly proud to be an American.”
The NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) encourages young adults to become active and knowledgeable citizens by learning about the Constitution and Bill of Rights, the federal government and the importance of being active in civic affairs. Activities on the agenda include meeting with those involved in the legislative process, hearing from guest speakers at NRA Headquarters, participating in competitive debates, touring historic sites and monuments in the D.C. Metro area and more. Attendees compete for a total of $30,000 in college scholarships through participation in the program’s events. More than $500,000 in scholarships has been awarded since Y.E.S.’s creation in 1996, thanks to grants provided by The NRA Foundation.
Entry into the summit requires submission of a completed application form, a high school transcript, a three-page essay on the Second Amendment, a one-page personal statement, and three letters of recommendation. Those interested must have their application post-marked no later than Jan. 13, 2017.
For additional information on the 2017 NRA Youth Education Summit and how to apply, please visit www.friendsofnra.org/yes. To read about the experiences of the Class of 2016, click here.