The 2025 NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) brought together 32 exceptional high school students from across the United States for an all-expenses-paid week in Washington, D.C., dedicated to leadership development, civic engagement, and education on American history and government.
Funded in part by The NRA Foundation through generous contributions from the Friends of NRA, Y.E.S. remains a one-of-a-kind opportunity for rising juniors and seniors to discuss current events, participate in structured debates, and gain a deeper understanding of the legislative process, while building lifelong connections with peers who share a commitment to freedom, responsibility, and public service.
A Week of Immersive Learning
The summit opened at NRA Headquarters in Fairfax, Virginia, where students participated in hands-on programming, including a guided tour of the NRA National Firearms Museum, a Q&A with NRA leadership, a mock Friends of NRA event, and live-fire opportunities at the NRA Range. For many participants, the range session was a highlight. One student shared, “I’ve never had a chance like this to shoot so many different firearms in one sitting.”
Students also explored some of the nation’s most historic and symbolic sites, including Capitol Hill, George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the National Archives Museum, the National Museum of the United States Army, and Arlington National Cemetery where they participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Debate, Leadership, and Scholarships
A signature component of Y.E.S. is the mock debate series. Assigned to teams and topics prior to arrival, students researched, prepared, and refined their arguments throughout the week before competing in formal debate sessions. Participants were evaluated on their performance, leadership, collaboration, and engagement.
At the week’s conclusion, $20,000 in End-of-Week Scholarships were awarded to ten students who demonstrated exceptional performance and commitment:
- $1,000: Colton G. (MN)
- $1,000: Justice S. (OR)
- $1,000: Aydri R. (IN)
- $1,000: Kolin R. (UT)
- $1,000: Julian F. (OH)
- $2,000: Jacob S. (RI)
- $2,000: Campbell B. (TX)
- $3,000: Mary C. (WA)
- $4,000: Elie A. (VA)
- $4,000: Sam P. (ME)
An Evening of Reflection and Inspiration
The week concluded with a formal awards dinner featuring keynote speaker Tom Debolt, CEO of Benelli USA, who addressed the importance of leadership, personal responsibility, and service to country. Several participants also shared their reflections on the transformative experience. One student remarked, “Seize every opportunity and lean in as much as you can, because you never know what will happen. This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I can’t thank the NRA enough.”
Looking Ahead
With the 2025 Summit complete, participants now have the opportunity to apply for the NRA Youth Education Summit Grand Scholarship by leading community outreach efforts that promote NRA safety and education programs, including Eddie Eagle Gunsafe®, Refuse To Be A Victim®, and Women on Target®. More than $10,000 in additional scholarship funding will be awarded through the Grand Scholarship.
Applications for the 2026 Youth Education Summit will open in Fall 2025, with the next session scheduled for July 2026. For more information or to apply, visit yes.nra.org. Follow the NRA Youth Education Summit on Facebook and Instagram (@NRAYouthEducationSummit) for photos, videos, and highlights from the 2025 event.
About the NRA Youth Education Summit:
The NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) is a leadership and scholarship program aimed at high school sophomores and juniors who are interested in learning about American government, the Constitution, and the importance of civic engagement. Since its founding in 1996, Y.E.S. has helped shape the future leaders of America through a combination of educational experiences and scholarship opportunities.
About the National Rifle Association
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Five million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and is the leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit nra.org.
About The NRA Foundation
Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans. These activities are designed to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those participating in the shooting sports, and to educate the general public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context. Funds granted by The NRA Foundation benefit a variety of constituencies throughout the United States including children, youth, women, individuals with physical disabilities, gun collectors, law enforcement officers, hunters, and competitive shooters. More information about The NRA Foundation can be found online at www.nrafoundation.org.
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