Unlocking Opportunities: A Guide to National Archery Scholarships
Archery, beyond being a sport, cultivates discipline, focus, and precision. For young archers with aspirations of competing at higher levels, financial support can be a significant factor. The Easton Foundations National Archery Scholarship Tour and the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) stand out as key avenues for supporting the next generation of archers through scholarship opportunities and comprehensive programs.
The Easton Foundations National Archery Scholarship Tour
The Easton Foundations National Archery Scholarship Tour is designed to support the next generation of archery through regional and national scholarship opportunities. A portion of an archer’s registration fees, for eligible categories, will go directly to scholarship payouts to the top 8 male and female archers per category.
Eligibility and Structure
Eligible age classes include all 14U, 19U and Collegiate archers. The scholarship awards are structured around both indoor and outdoor tournaments. A nationwide ranking is utilized for scholarship awards for indoor tournaments. Scholarship awards will be issued for each outdoor tournament. These scholarship awards could be substantial based on category participation!
The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP)
The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) is an in-school program aimed at improving educational performance among students in grades 4 - 12. Since its inception in 2002, NASP has put a bow and arrow in the hand of over 21 million students, grades 4 - 12. NASP programs have grown from 7 million to 19.2 million.
Impact and Benefits
NASP is more than just an archery program; it's a transformative experience that instills valuable life lessons.According to Gregory Keith, Taylor County Archery Assistant Coach, “NASP will not only make an individual a better archer, but will also prepare them for life’s many challenges”. One memorable encounter with a freshman archer, Nathan Lyons, highlighted the program's emphasis on personal responsibility. Nathan stated, “I am responsible for where the arrow goes, I am responsible, not the bow, not the target, not the person standing beside me”.
Read also: Learn about FSU's National Merit Program
Jill Purkhiser, NASP Coach at Seymour High School, Indiana, shared heartwarming anecdotes about the program's impact on students. One young man was overjoyed with a score of 2 (out of a possible 50), demonstrating the pure joy found in simple achievements. Purkhiser also recounted the story of a non-verbal young lady who whispered "Fun" when asked if she was enjoying herself, a testament to the program's ability to reach students in profound ways.
Nicole Theriac, a NASP student, expressed gratitude for the program's impact on her life: “Getting involved with NASP has taught me a lot about myself, time management, becoming a more organized leader, and how to be a team player. I found that the longer I was in archery the more I loved the sport, the better relationships I had, and accumulated life-long support from new friends. I will never forget the impact that NASP has had on my life or the opportunities it has bestowed upon me. I am grateful that even after my time with NASP has ended they still supported me in my education with this $500 scholarship, this will help me pay for nursing school and get me to my end goal of becoming a trauma surgery nurse practitioner.”
Jonathan Thompson, a NASP Teacher at Banks Middle School, Alabama, witnessed the program's transformative effect on his students. After integrating NASP into the school's curriculum, 108 out of 190 students participated on the archery team. Thompson noted that NASP helped students who hadn't found their place in traditional sports discover a passion for archery. The program's success at Banks School led to its expansion throughout the district, with nearly 400 students now participating in NASP.
NASP Across the Nation
The Alaska NASP program has grown to over 200 schools participating since it started here in 2004. The program is run by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and covers schools in a variety of cities and villages, some with as many as 300,000 people and others as small as 350 people. Alaska supports and promotes the involvement of schools and organizations in the NASP. According to Katelyn Zonneville, Outreach & Education Coordinator, Alaska Department of Fish & Game, the program has seen widespread adoption.
Equal Opportunity
NASP is an equal opportunity sport. All kids can participate regardless of athletic ability, size, strength or disability. The NASP program promotes sportsmanship, integrity, friendships and family values. Many families have made life long friendships with other NASP participants and parents from across the country.
Read also: Eligibility for National Awards
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