NASP® Academic Archer Program Hits Record Milestone With 12.3% Increase in Student Participation

The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP®) continues to demonstrate steady growth and impacts in schools across the country—both on the range and in the classroom. The 2025–2026 school year saw an impressive 12.3% increase in students being recognized for academic success compared to the previous year.
 

This continued growth reflects strong demand from educators, students, and communities seeking meaningful, in-school opportunities that engage students in new ways.
 

“This kind of growth doesn’t happen by accident,” said NASP® President Tommy Floyd. “It happens because educators see the impact. Students who may not have found their place in traditional activities are finding success, confidence, and connection through archery.”
 

More than 100 new schools reported having Academic Archers this year. With each participating school and every student who identifies as an Academic Archer, the meaning behind that achievement continues to grow.
 

Educators through NASP® remain committed to providing inclusive opportunities that reach all students. Because NASP® is delivered during the school day, it removes many of the traditional barriers to participation—such as after-school transportation—and ensures access regardless of background or experience.
 

Carri Garrett from Easton Technical Products said, “At Easton, we believe the values children learn through archery—focus, discipline, and confidence—are clearly demonstrated through NASP®. That’s why we are proud to support the NASP® Academic Archer Program.”
 

She continued, “NASP® has shown how archery can positively impact students, not only on the range but in the classroom. We’ve seen firsthand how the program helps students build confidence, stay engaged, and believe in their ability to achieve their goals. By supporting NASP®, we’re investing in young people who will shape the future. We’re honored to be part of both NASP® and the Academic Archer Program.”
 

Across these growing programs, teachers consistently report improvements in student focus, behavior, and classroom engagement—outcomes that align directly with NASP®’s mission to support educational performance through archery.
 

Each year, ten students will receive a new Genesis bow in the color of their choice, along with custom Easton Academic Archer arrows, via a random drawing NASP® would like to thank Easton Archery for their generous donation of arrows in support of these students. Academic Archer nominations for the 2026–2027 school year will open on September 1, 2026.

Looking ahead, NASP® has set an ambitious goal for the coming year: recognizing 50,000 Academic Archers.
 

“This next goal represents more than a number,” Floyd added. “It represents opportunity. Every new school means more students discovering something they’re good at, something they enjoy, and something that connects them to their school community.”
 

As NASP® continues to grow, the focus remains the same: providing a safe, engaging program that changes lives, one arrow at a time.