The 2025 NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) welcomed 32 outstanding high school students from across the United States to Washington, D.C., for an all-expenses-paid week 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, the summit remains a unique opportunity for rising juniors and seniors to engage in discussions on current events, participate in structured debate, and gain a deeper understanding of the legislative process—while connecting with peers who share a commitment to freedom, responsibility, and public service.
This year’s itinerary gave students a well-rounded perspective on American heritage and civic responsibility. The week kicked off with a visit to NRA Headquarters in Fairfax, Virginia, where students participated in a full day of hands-on programming. Activities included a guided tour of the NRA National Firearms Museum, a Q&A session with NRA leadership, a mock Friends of NRA event, and the opportunity to shoot a variety of firearms at the NRA Range. For many, the range experience was a standout moment of the week. As one student remarked, “I’ve never had a chance like this to shoot so many different firearms in one sitting.”
Participants also toured 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 took part in a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
A central component of the Youth Education Summit is the mock debate series. Prior to attending, students are assigned to teams and given a topic to research and prepare. Throughout the week, they refine their arguments and develop strategies in preparation for a formal debate competition. Each participant was evaluated on their performance, leadership, collaboration, and engagement throughout the summit.
At the conclusion of the week, $20,000 in End-of-Week Scholarships were awarded to ten students who demonstrated exceptional commitment and performance:
- $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)
The selection process was highly competitive due to the remarkable caliber of this year’s participants. Each scholarship recipient displayed strong intellectual curiosity, communication skills, and initiative.
The week concluded with a formal awards dinner featuring Tom Debolt, CEO of Benelli USA, as the keynote speaker. Mr. Debolt spoke on the importance of leadership, personal responsibility, and service to country. Several participants also shared their own reflections during the evening, expressing how the experience had impacted them both personally and academically. 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.”
With the 2025 Summit now concluded, participants are encouraged to apply for the NRA Youth Education Summit Grand Scholarship. Over the next ten months, students will return to their communities to lead outreach efforts promoting NRA safety and education programs such as Eddie Eagle Gunsafe®, Refuse To Be A Victim®, and Women on Target®. They will document their initiatives and community involvement in a comprehensive portfolio, which will serve as their application for additional scholarship funding. More than $10,000 will be awarded through the Grand Scholarship program.
Applications for the 2026 Youth Education Summit will open in Fall 2025. The next session will take place in July 2026. For more information about the program or to apply, visit yes.nra.org. Additional highlights, photos, and video content from the 2025 Summit can be found on the NRA Youth Education Summit’s social media channels on Facebook and Instagram (@NRAYouthEducationSummit).
