October 20,2025 – The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP®) is proud to announce the launch of NASP® 3D, the next chapter in NASP®’s commitment to student-centered archery education. Built on the same familiar rules and structure that educators, coaches, and students already trust, NASP® 3D will ensure continuity while offering new opportunities for growth. NASP® will expand its national scholarship series to include 3D student archers and will continue to strengthen collaborations with state fish and wildlife agencies to promote conservation and connect students to the outdoors.
While the program name is shifting, schools can expect no major changes to the way NASP® 3D is taught, organized, or delivered. To lead this exciting next chapter, NASP® is pleased to introduce Joel and Christie Zimmer as the new NASP® 3D Directors, bringing their enthusiasm and leadership to guide the program’s continued success. Together, the Zimmers bring 40 years of combined NASP® experience as coaches, trainers, and event staff. They have spent five years helping organize and run national 3D events as well as state 3D events in 11 different states.
Joel Zimmer, NASP® 3D Co-Director, shared, “Christie and I are honored to help lead NASP® 3D into this exciting new chapter. We know how important it is for schools, coaches, and students to feel confident that the program they already love will remain consistent and accessible. At the same time, we are thrilled to help grow NASP® 3D opportunities and connect even more students to the outdoors.”
Random Scholarships: In 2026, NASP® will magnify its popular Random Scholarship program, with awards now offered to both Bullseye and 3D archers. This exciting update means up to 185 scholarships, valued at $500 each, will be awarded to students participating at Western Nationals, Eastern Nationals, and the NASP® Championship. Drawn randomly, these awards ensure that every student has an equal opportunity to benefit. Simply competing in a Bullseye or 3D round will be the only requirement for eligibility.
Scholarship Shoot-Off: In addition to the Random Scholarship program, NASP® will expand its Scholarship Shoot-Off at the Championship Tournament, with the exciting addition of a 3D event. The top five male and top five female archers in both Bullseye and 3D—determined from the combined results of Eastern and Western Nationals—will compete for scholarships ranging from $5,000 for first place to $1,000 for fifth place. This expansion helps ensure that outstanding performances in both divisions are recognized and rewarded.
Team Scholarships: NASP® further celebrates the collective achievement of entire teams through its Team Scholarships program, growing to include teams in NASP® 3D. The top three high-scoring teamsin both Bullseye and 3D will be determined at the conclusion of the Eastern National Tournament, based on the combined scores from Western and Eastern Nationals. Up to 24 archers on each winning team will be awarded scholarships.
Upon graduation, student archers can apply these funds to any post-secondary education or training program of their choice. This exciting opportunity would not be possible without the generosity of NASP® scholarship sponsors, whose support ensures that archers’ achievements on the range can also help open doors for their futures.
NASP® President Tommy Floyd said, “As a lifelong educator, I have always believed that our greatest investment is in the future of our students. NASP® has never been just about archery—it has always been about helping young people discover confidence, discipline, success in education, and opportunities to connect with the outdoors. The launch of NASP® 3D represents an exciting new chapter that will engage even more students and families, while strengthening our ties to conservation. By expanding our Random Scholarships, Team, and Shoot-Off programs to include 3D, we are not only recognizing their achievements on the range, but also investing in their dreams and outdoor experiences beyond graduation.”
With this exciting expansion, NASP® remains committed to its mission of helping students find success both on the range and in life—while Changing Lives One Arrow at a Time.
NASP® 3D Rules: To ensure consistency and confidence for educators, NASP® 3D rules will remain familiar and accessible. Coaches and teachers can review the full rules here
NASP® 3D Resources: Check out all the new resources available for running a NASP® 3D Range here.
Contact Your Coordinator: State/provincial coordinators remain available to provide direct support here.
For more information, visit www.naspschools.org.
Related posts:
NASP® Announces its 2024 National Tournament Schedule and Scholarship Program
NASP® continues to see huge participation and success at the 2025 NASP® Eastern National Tournament with 15,585 archers competing in Bullseye and 3D.
The National Archery in the Schools Program celebrates the addition of Delaware to NASP®. NASP® now actively educating in all 50 states!
The National Archery in the Schools Program Announces the Results of the 2024 NASP® Student Survey and continued evidence of lives changed!
