The NRA Foundation Awards High Schoolers More Than $22,000 In College Scholarships

At the culmination of yet another incredible year for the NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.), The NRA Foundation awarded $22,500 in college scholarships to 11 high school students who participated in the annual summit, held July 26 through Aug. 2., in Washington, D.C. 

While just juniors and seniors in high school, the students who come from across the nation to attend the weeklong educational experience in the nation’s capital represent some of the country’s brightest young minds already deeply invested in the mechanics, nuances and significance of the American democratic process. 

The scholarships are paid directly to the accredited college or technical school of each student’s choosing. These awards empower the leaders of tomorrow to pursue and achieve their academic goals in order to prepare them for success in their careers -- an investment in America’s future. 

“The Youth Education Summit has awarded more than $540,000 in college scholarships over its 21-year history,” said NRA Director of Volunteer Fundraising Sarah Engeset. “We are proud to assist the next generation of competitive shooters, hunters and firearms enthusiasts in pursuing their dreams through higher education.”

The 2017 Y.E.S. End-of-Week scholarship winners are: 

$3,500: Rylie Pennell of Warrenton, Virginia
$3,500: Simon Sefzik of Ferndale, Washington
$2,500: Denise Shaffer of Houston, Texas
$2,500: Peter Leonard of Tallahassee, Florida
$2,500: Allen Slaughter of Frankfort, Kentucky
$2,000: Kaitlyn Callaway of Tuscola, Texas
$2,000: Gage Paris of Black Forest, Colorado
$1,000: Sophia Puliafico of Juneau, Alaska
$1,000: Amby Tierney of Cohasset, Massachusetts
$1,000: Krzysztof Gajda of Rockford, Illinois
$1,000: Cristina Lee of Gilbert, Arizona

These scholarships and the entire Y.E.S. program is made possible by support from The NRA Foundation, using funds raised at Friends of NRA events held nationwide throughout the year.

High school students and parents: now is the perfect time to start thinking about applying for the 2018 Youth Education Summit! The application process for next year’s summit opens in September – stay tuned to the Y.E.S. website and Facebook page for the application opening announcement!