Fairfax, Va. - The National Rifle Association invites high school sophomores and juniors across the United States to apply for the 2020 National NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.), an expenses-paid, weeklong educational experience in Washington, D.C. from July 13-19, 2020. Attendees will compete for up to $50,000 in college scholarships and must submit their application by Friday, Jan. 24, 2020.

“The Y.E.S. program is a weeklong marathon of life-changing experiences,” said former Y.E.S. participant Aiden Thomson from Tennessee. “You see the most important relics of America's history, visit its most iconic government buildings, and make lots of friends along the way. You meet like-minded people from all over the country and learn there are a million different viewpoints to consider. It's an once-in-a-lifetime chance that you need to take if you love American history, culture, people, or politics.”

Y.E.S. develops our next generation of leaders by encouraging them to become active citizens in their local communities and beyond. Students learn about the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the federal government, and the importance of engaging in civic affairs. Competitive team debates and casual discussions on current events highlight the diverse backgrounds and beliefs of participants while fostering fellowship and respect. The program’s nonstop agenda also includes exciting activities and opportunities from visiting NRA Headquarters to touring historic sites and monuments in the D.C. area and reflecting on the dedicated service of the nation’s military.

Attendees will compete for college scholarships based on their leadership skills, debate performances, and participation in discussions on current events. Students may also compete for additional scholarships after the summit by sharing their experience with their communities. Thanks to Friends of NRA fundraising and grants provided by The NRA Foundation, more than $675,000 in scholarships have been awarded since Y.E.S. launched in 1996.

Those interested in attending the summit must submit 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. Applications must be postmarked by Friday, Jan. 24, 2020.

For additional information on the 2020 NRA Youth Education Summit, please visit https://yes.nra.org/application/, or call (703) 267-1351.

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 http://nra.org.

About The NRA Foundation
Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. 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 firearm and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those participating in the shootings sports, and to educate the general public about firearms in their historic, technological, and artistic context. More information about The NRA Foundation can be found online at www.nrafoundation.org.