High schoolers: Apply now for the 2016 Youth Education Summit

If you're in high school, you're probably preparing for the final assignments and exams of the (calendar) year and have your eyes set on that upcoming winter break. You've been working hard this school year and you deserve some time to relax through New Years; your teachers do too. And while winter break is a great time to treat every day like it's Saturday, it's also the perfect opportunity to apply for this summer's NRA Youth Education Summit, a once in a lifetime trip to Washington, D.C.

For the past 20 years the NRA has brought high school sophomores and juniors to our nation's capital each summer for a week of fun they'll never forget. At Y.E.S., young adults learn to become active and knowledgeable citizens on both the national and local levels by visiting sites and meeting people all over Washington, D.C. to learn about our Constitution, Bill of Rights, and federal government like never before.

But Y.E.S. isn't just about taking tours around Washington, D.C. The summit is an educational experience that offers $30,000 in college scholarships for students who demonstrate strong leadership skills and high intelligence during the week's activities - which include debates and seminars on current events.

Exploring the Capitol Building, the Marine Corps Base at Quantico, the National Archives, the Newseum, receiving a safe introduction to the shooting sports at NRA Headquarters, and meeting national leaders on Capitol Hill are just some of the unforgettable activities this summer's attendees will experience.

And while many applicants have strong interests in the shooting sports, experience with firearms is not a requirement to attend Y.E.S. What we look for is an interest in American history, government, and/or military and a strong desire to learn more about our Second Amendment.

Interested? The 2016 Y.E.S. is Monday, July 25 - Sunday, July 31 and applications are due on February 1, 2016. You must be a high school sophomore or junior to apply for Y.E.S. The application process requires submission of a completed application form, high school transcript, three-page essay on the Second Amendment, one-page personal statement, and three letters of recommendation, so get started this winter break!

Download the 2016 Youth Education Summit application here.

If you live in Alaska, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas, Virginia or West Virginia, your must participate in a state-level summit in order to attend the national Y.E.S. in Washington D.C. Learn more about your state's Youth Education Summit here.