NRA Currently Accepting Youth Education Summit Applications

$30,000 in College Scholarships Available to Students

FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA- The National Rifle Association is currently accepting applications from qualified high school sophomores and juniors to participate in the National Youth Education Summit (YES) from July 6-12, 2009.

40 outstanding students from across the United States are chosen each year to travel to the nation's capital, where they participate in the weeklong, educational opportunity. The summit encourages young adults to become active and knowledgeable U.S. citizens by learning about the Constitution, Bill of Rights, the federal government, and the importance of being active in civic affairs.

Activities on this year's schedule include:

* Guest speakers at NRA Headquarters and the National Firearms Museum
* Competitive debates with other high school students from across the nation
* Informative tours at historic sites and monuments in and around Washington, D.C.

"I strongly encourage the youth of America to apply to this program, whereby they may experience the inner workings of the government and participate in speeches and debates about current issues," said past YES participant Caroline Cox of Southern Pines, N.C.

In addition to the week in Washington D.C., YES participants compete for $30,000 in college scholarships. The first round of awards totals $10,000 and is given at the conclusion of the YES program. A second round of scholarships, called grand scholarships, is comprised of $20,000 and involves a second application, available to the participants after they go through the YES program. Since the program's inception in 1996, more than $200,000 in scholarships has been awarded.

Entry into the program 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. Interested students should have their application post-marked no later than March 2, 2009.

For additional information on the 2009 Youth Education Summit and how to apply, please visit www.nrafoundation.org/yes, or call 1-800-672-3888, ext. 1354.