Lead Today. Transform Tomorrow. Inspire Change.

Print out the application, fill it out, and send it to:

NRA Foundation, Field Operations, Y.E.S. Coordinator 
11250 Waples Mill Rd.
Fairfax, VA 22030.

The application process is highly competitive and consists of a Second Amendment essay, personal statement, high school transcript and three recommendations.

• 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 postmark your complete application by the January 26, 2024 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 2024. 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.