July 31, 2025 – For the first time in program history, archery lessons were taught in over 10,000 schools in a single academic season through the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP®). The 2024–2025 school year marked a monumental achievement for the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP®). With the close of the annual reporting period, NASP® extends a huge thank you to the state and provincial fish and wildlife coordinators, school educators, and coaches for their incredible efforts.

Since its inception in 2002, NASP® has worked to bring safe, standardized archery curriculum into schools across the United States and internationally. Designed for students in grades 4–12, the program offers an inclusive opportunity for youth to discover archery through their physical education classes and beyond.

Participating schools identify an interested educator to undergo Basic Archery Instructor (BAI) certification. These certified instructors then integrate archery into the school day, using the 11 Steps to Archery Success to teach not just aim and form—but also focus, discipline, and confidence.

During the 2024/2025 school year, archery was taught in 10,000 schools. That means 10,000 gymnasiums, 10,000 classrooms, and countless moments where students found focus, confidence, and belonging—because an educator, administrator, and coordinator said “yes, this matters.”

In 2017, NASP® introduced an annual reporting requirement for all certified instructors. These reports have become a crucial tool for tracking the program’s reach and effectiveness—and this year’s data confirmed what many already felt: NASP® is growing, thriving, and making a lasting difference.

This success is the result of a collaborative effort across every jurisdiction. NASP® state and provincial coordinators play a critical role in supporting schools, training instructors, and ensuring consistency in the program’s delivery. Their dedication has been essential in helping NASP® expand into more schools, reach more students, and maintain high standards of safety and quality.

“We could not be more proud of our coordinators and educators who push each day to provide in-school archery programing for our nation’s youth. They are the backbone and real MVPs of the largest archery program in the world, and together we are making an incredible difference in the lives of students while growing the shooting sports. This milestone is a direct reflection of their hard work and dedication,” shared Tommy Floyd Ed.D., president of NASP®.

The growth isn’t slowing down. In addition to reaching 10,000 schools, NASP® continues to see increased demand for instructor training, equipment grants, and student participation at the local, state, national, and international levels. With continued support from educators, coordinators, parents, and industry partners, NASP® is well on its way to empowering future generations of archers and student leaders.

NASP® is changing lives, one arrow at a time.

For more information on NASP® news and events, please visit https://www.naspschools.org