The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP®) is proud to be a sponsor of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AWFA) annual conference held in Madison, Wisconsin, September 22-25, 2024. This conference provides a platform for the conservation world to come together to apply science and technology to our nation’s fish and wildlife management, including the recruitment, retention and reactivation of hunters, anglers and shooting sports participants.
“Our sponsorship of the Director’s breakfast on September 25 at the AFWA conference represents our continued appreciation and commitment to the state fish and wildlife agencies and their directors for the incredible work they do to support conservation, especially in their impact on the lives of our nation’s youth through shooting sports,” said Jeff Rawlinson, Vice President of NASP®.
For over 20 years, NASP® has partnered with the fish and wildlife agency in almost every state to coordinate safe, consistent, and fun in-school archery lessons across the nation. These coordinators help equip schools and train teachers to lead archery instruction.
“The NASP® program represents the power of partnership! In 2024, our state agency partners reached over 1.3 million kids in over 9,500 schools across the country,” said Rawlinson. “Through their dedication, archery is impacting youth from all backgrounds and creating strong and diverse advocates for conservation.”
Since the partnership began in 2002, state fish and wildlife agencies have reached over 23.5 million kids through the in-school archery program. A 2024 study of the program suggests that, because of NASP®, significant numbers of kids have continued in outdoor pursuits including hunting, fishing and shooting sports, contributing to the 175% increase in archery participation in the United States since the program began in 2002. For more information on NASP® visit www.naspschools.org.