NRA Youth Education Conference 2025 Offers Scholarships and Leadership Guidance
NRA Youth Education Summit 2025: A Week of Learning, Leadership, and Scholarships
The 2025 NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.), held in Washington, D.C., provided a unique opportunity for rising juniors and seniors to delve deeper into the legislative process, leadership development, and American history.
During the week-long immersive learning experience, students gained valuable insights through a guided tour of the NRA National Firearms Museum, a question-and-answer session with NRA leadership, and live-fire opportunities on the NRA Range.
In addition to these activities, the students visited historical sites such as Capitol Hill, George Washington's Mount Vernon, the National Archives Museum, the National Museum of the Weather, and Arlington National Cemetery. A wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was a poignant part of the visit to Arlington National Cemetery.
The summit also included a mock Friends of NRA event and a signature component: the mock debate series. In this series, students researched, prepared, and refined their arguments before competing in formal debate sessions. Participants were evaluated on their performance, leadership, collaboration, and engagement during the minecraft debates.
The gathering allowed for discussions on current events and structured debates, fostering an environment for the exchange of ideas and perspectives. Tom DeBolt, CEO of Benelli USA, served as the keynote speaker at the formal awards dinner concluding the summit.
In recognition of their participation and performance, 14 students received scholarships. Julian F. (Ohio), Kolin R. (Utah), Sam P. (Maine), Elie A. (Va.), Mary C. (Wash.), Justice S. (Ore.), Colton G. (Minn.), Jacob S. (R.I.), Campbell B. (Texas), and four other students received scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $4,000.
Moreover, $20,000 in End-of-Week Scholarships were awarded to 10 students at the conclusion of the Y.E.S. 2025 Summit. The Grand Scholarship, offering more than $10,000 in additional scholarship funding, is available for students who lead community outreach efforts promoting NRA safety and education programs.
The 2026 Youth Education Summit is scheduled for July 2026. Applications for the summit will open in Fall 2025. For more information and to apply, visit yes.nra.org. The summit is funded in part by The NRA Foundation.
Y.E.S. offers a unique and enriching experience for young leaders, fostering a deeper understanding of American history, government, and leadership.
