Giving Tuesday, December 3, is an opportunity to focus on causes that make a lasting difference in every community. One of these causes is the NRA Youth Education Summit (YES), an immersive leadership program for high school students eager to learn about the foundations of our nation, the importance of civic engagement and the role of the Second Amendment.
By donating, individuals are helping support and empower the next generation of leaders. Each year, YES students participate in a week-long educational experience in Washington, D.C., that includes workshops and lectures, hands-on experiences, networking opportunities and more.
YES is a leadership and scholarship program aimed at high school sophomores and juniors interested in learning about American government, the Constitution and the importance of civic engagement. Since its founding, YES has helped to shape the future leaders of the United States through a combination of educational experiences and scholarship opportunities.
Applications are currently open for 2025 YES. Eligible applicants must currently be high school sophomores or juniors. Entry requires submission of a completed application form, high school transcripts, a three-page essay on the Second Amendment, a one-page personal statement and three letters of recommendation. Deadline for submission is Jan. 19, 2025, and session dates are July 22 to 27, 2025.
More than 40 students are selected to attend this prestigious event annually. Up to $40,000 is awarded each year through End-of-Week and Grand Scholarships. In addition to the opportunity for financial aid to pursue their higher-education goals, students will also engage with political leaders, visit historical monuments, attend seminars and apply their skills in competitive debates.
Since the inception of YES in 1996, more than 1,200 students have graduated from the program and over $700,000 in scholarships have been awarded. Readers can help shape a brighter future by donating on Giving Tuesday.
