Excitement is in the air! The 2026 National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP®) Championship is just around the corner, happening from June 18-20, 2026, at the Ocean Center in Daytona, Florida. This isn’t just any competition; it’s a world-class showcase of youth talent in archery, where the best of the best come together to aim for national titles and valuable college scholarships.
Participants in this thrilling event are top-tier student archers, ranging from 4th to 12th grade, who have qualified through rigorous Eastern and Western National Tournaments. They’ll compete in two exciting disciplines: Bullseye and NASP® 3D. It’s more than just a test of skill; it’s a chance to shine, to make their mark, and perhaps even secure significant college funding!
What is NASP®?
The National Archery in the Schools Program was established back in 2002 by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. The mission? To bring archery into public school physical education programs. Fast forward to today, and NASP® has introduced archery to over 1.2 million students each year across 50 U.S. states and several international locations, impacting a whopping 24.7 million students since its inception. Pretty incredible, right?
NASP® offers comprehensive two-week archery courses for students in grades 4 through 12. These courses cover a range of topics—from the history of the sport to safety, technique, and even self-improvement. Each student learns to shoot with the Genesis bow, which is designed to be safe and accessible for all ages. The low draw weights make it easy for kids to handle, reducing injury risks and ensuring that students can focus on honing their skills without the burden of heavy equipment.
Scholarships and Opportunities
But wait, there’s more! The NASP® Championship isn’t just about competition; it’s also a gateway to amazing scholarship opportunities. For the 2026 tournament series, there are 185 random scholarships available for Bullseye and 3D archers. In addition, the top five male and female archers from both divisions will have a chance to compete in a Scholarship Shoot-Off for awards ranging from $5,000 to $1,000. And if you’re part of a high-scoring team? Well, the top three teams can snag scholarships for up to 24 archers each. That’s a lot of chances to help students further their education and career training!
This championship is just the culmination of a thrilling tournament series that kicks off with the Western National Tournament from April 23-25, 2026, in Sandy, Utah, followed by the Eastern National Tournament from May 7-9, 2026, in Louisville, Kentucky. Each tournament features the beloved NASP® Bullseye and NASP® 3D competitions, making it a summer packed with excitement for archery fans everywhere.
So, if you’re near Daytona, or just a fan of youth sports, mark your calendars! This is one event you won’t want to miss. Dive into the action, cheer for these talented young archers, and witness firsthand the dedication and skill that these students bring to the field. It’s an experience that promises to be both thrilling and inspiring!
For more details, you can check out the official event page here and get the scoop on all things NASP® and their scholarship opportunities here. Happy archery!