Are you or do you know of an outstanding shooting sports athlete? Now is the time to start working on getting ready to submit for the 2026 NRA Outstanding Achievement Youth Award! The NRA’s Outstanding Achievement Youth Awards (OAYA) encourages and recognizes those junior shooting sports participants who take an active part in their community and shooting sports through individual contributions, educational pursuits and accomplishments.
Youth are eligible for the NRA Outstanding Achievement Youth Award through their 21st birthday. The requirements are not that difficult to acquire.
Each applicant must meet five of the core requirements, which are:
- Complete one NRA Basic Firearm Training Course
- Participate in the NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program by earning a rating in one discipline
- Write an essay: “What the Shooting Sports has Taught Me”
- Submit three letters of recommendation
- A copy of your school transcripts
In addition, there are elective requirements. Each applicant must choose five from this list for submission.
Once a participant meets the requirements, he or she will be eligible for a cash payout of $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second place and $2,000 for third place.
The deadline for submission is May 1 of every year. In addition, every youth who submits will receive a certificate. For more information, please visit oaya.nra.org or email [email protected].
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