The NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) is a prestigious, all-expense-paid, six-day leadership and scholarship program for rising high school juniors and seniors held each summer in Washington, D.C. Each year, exceptional students from across the nation are selected to take part in this immersive fellowship in our nation’s capital.
For more than 25 years, Y.E.S. has united some of America’s brightest, most driven, and patriotic youth for an unforgettable week of education, leadership, and civic engagement. Participants meet with political leaders, tour historic landmarks, and sharpen their skills through competitive debates, all while competing for college scholarships. $20,000 in scholarships were awarded at this year’s summit, with even more available through the Grand Scholarship application!
The mission of Y.E.S. is to inspire students to explore the foundations of American government, the Bill of Rights, and the U.S. Constitution, while encouraging them to become active, informed citizens who return to their communities as advocates for the Second Amendment.
Throughout the week, students will:
- Meet with NRA leadership
- Practice marksmanship at the NRA Range
- Tour the National Firearms Museum
- Participate in debates on current issues
- View the Constitution and Bill of Rights at the National Archives
- Explore D.C.’s monuments and memorials
- Tour the U.S. Capitol Building
- Attend the 8th & I Parade
- Pay their respects at Arlington National Cemetery
Past participant Kolin R. from New Mexico shared: "My favorite part was the opportunities I had to exercise my individual rights, with crucial lessons along the way. From defending my right to bare arms by shooting at the NRA’s range. To expressing my freedom of speech with public speaking and debate. This was an experience like no other. I have bonded with friends and mentors along the way. Traveling through history and then making it ourselves. But most importantly I learned to raise your hand the highest you can, to put every ounce of effort into your beliefs, your confidence, into your success. I don’t regret anything from YES. I leaned into it!"
How to Apply
Y.E.S. is open to current high school sophomores and juniors nationwide. Applicants must submit:
- High school transcript
- A three-page essay on the Second Amendment
- Personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- A brief phone interview
The 2026 NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) will be held July 21–26 and applications are now open. The application deadline is January 18, 2026.
For more information or to apply, please visit YES.NRA.ORG. Questions may be directed to [email protected].
