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1) Cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale. This helps to show students are dedicated, and have a good work ethic.

2) Extracurricular Activities. These show a student’s leadership ability and experience, the ability to plan and balance time, varied interests, and determine if a student is active in their community.

3) Second Amendment Essay. The essay displays a student’s research and writing abilities. Strong arguments, academic research, and correct grammar and citations are expected.

4) Personal Statement. The personal statement should give a glimpse into a student’s personality and their desire to come to Y.E.S. that cannot be garnered from the other parts of the application. Students should also share what it is that they hope to gain from this experience, and how it could impact them and/or others.

5) References. The reference from those that know a student allow for the application committee to see a different perspective on the student, and to hear about how a student interacts with others.

Click here to be directed to the NRA Y.E.S. Application Portal, create an account, and submit your completed application. 

• You must be a current sophomore or junior in high school. This means that you will be attending Y.E.S. the summer before your junior or senior year.
• You must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• You must complete the application by the January 19, 2025 due date; incomplete applications will not be considered.

No.

30-35 applicants are selected to attend  Y.E.S. When the Y.E.S. Selection Committee receives the applications, they are divided based on states or areas (corresponding with State Fund Committee grants). Students are graded and ranked in their areas, and the top student(s) are selected to attend Y.E.S. Students who are not selected in their area are put in a national pool for a chance at Endowment grants. Students who come from states that did not fund Y.E.S. are also placed in the national endowment pool.

A personal statement is your chance to tell the selection committee why you are passionate about coming to Y.E.S. and what you'd like to do with the information and training you acquire during the summit.

Applicants will be notified of acceptance status in April 2025. We will mail every applicant an acceptance status letter in the mail.

• Multiple scholarship opportunities
• Informative tours at historic sites and monuments in and around Washington, D.C.
• Development of such academic skills and virtues as leadership, public speaking and debating
• Increased awareness and appreciation of American government and meeting those involved in the legislative process
• Chances to meet and network with new people from across the country and build friendships
• Visiting the NRA headquarters and hearing from various department heads and the National Firearms Museum
• Honoring our military with a visit to Arlington National Cemetery and The Marine Corps 8th & I Parade
• An introduction to the shooting sports

Most applicants have strong interests in the shooting sports, American history, government, and/or the military. Y.E.S. students come from all over the United States. Each Y.E.S. class brings in a broad variety of personal backgrounds and experiences.

Although prior experience in the shooting sports is a common characteristic in many Y.E.S. applicants, it is not required to get into the program. Applicants are judged on GPA, well-roundedness of activities, their Second Amendment essay and Personal Statement, as well as recommendations.

Y.E.S. is all expense paid; the costs for meals, hotel, supplies, etc., are covered by The NRA Foundation. Some states and Endowment grants may require their student(s) to pay their own travel expenses to and from Y.E.S. Students who need to cover their travel will be notified after they are accepted to Y.E.S. Students are encouraged to bring extra cash for souvenirs, phone cards, emergency money while traveling, etc.

A national endowment and The NRA Foundation through monies raised at Friends of NRA events provide all funding for the program. Friends of NRA is a grassroots, fund-raising program organized by local volunteers. Each state selects volunteers who form State Fund Committees (SFC). These SFCs are responsible for allocating money in the form of grants to fund qualifying shooting sports programs.

Yes, there will always be at least six chaperones assisting students at all times during the week. Chaperones include NRA staff and alumni chaperones at least 20 years of age.