Ohio college among those receiving grants from NSSF to build target shooting programs

According to a press release, the National Shooting Sports Foundation has awarded 38 grants, a record number totaling $190,000 to help both new and existing collegiate target shooting programs flourish.

Among those institutions receiving grants is Ohio's Marietta College.

Only two years old, NSSF's Collegiate Shooting Sports Initiative has helped establish competition and club shooting opportunities at colleges across the country - from Harvard to Clemson and the University of Vermont to Montana Tech. This latest round of grants will support programs in 36 schools.

"It's gratifying to see collegiate shooting and the Collegiate Shooting Sports Initiative growing at such a fast rate," said Zach Snow, NSSF's manager of shooting promotions. "That tells us NSSF is on the right track in providing funding that makes it possible for men and women to continue target shooting during their college years."

NSSF has long supported youth shooting programs for the Boy Scouts of America and 4-H and through the Scholastic Clay Target Program. The Collegiate Shooting Sports Initiative works to provide a seamless "next step" for those who want to continue participating in the shooting sports, just as student-athletes do in other sports.

"It's only natural than students who have enjoyed target shooting in junior high and high school will want to participate and introduce their new friends to the shooting sports at college," said Snow. "Whether it's competing in intercollegiate matches or spending an evening with friends at the range, students can enjoy the type of target shooting they're comfortable with and learn about firearm safety through these programs."

For assistance on getting a collegiate target shooting program started or for information on applying for a future NSSF grant, visit www.nssf.org/college.