National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP)

Education Partnership to Promote Youth Archery

The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) is a joint venture between state departments of Education and Wildlife, along with several archery equipment manufacturers and organizations.  Educators are looking for ways to improve student motivation, attention, behavior, attendance, and focus. Teachers strive to achieve state and national educational standards regarding the development of micro/macro motor ability, listening, and observation skills. They hope to engage each student in the educational process and develop relationships to promote graduation.

In addition, wildlife conservation agencies are concerned that too many young people are forgoing learning outdoor skills that will inspire them to spend more time with wild things in wild places. Natural resource professionals are convinced that learning target-shooting skills will result in character and self-reliance development that will serve the future of wildlife conservation.  This two-to-eight-week archery program focuses on providing International Style Target Archery training in physical education classes for grades 4-12.     

NASP® is an activity that doesn’t discriminate based on popularity, athletic skill, gender, size, or academic ability. It’s a different kind of team sport.  It’s open to any student. Its biggest supporters are professional educators. Teams come together around one thing: Archery.  The program promotes student education, physical education, and participation in the lifelong sport of Archery.  

Teaching NASP Students Lifetime Skills

  1. Taught archery skills to over 18 million students all over the world.
  2. NASP® doesn’t discriminate based on popularity, athletic skill, gender, size, or academic ability.
  3. Served students between grades 4-12.
  4. Caused NASP® students to work harder in the classroom.
  5. Taught focus, self-control, discipline, and patience.
  6. Helped students feel more connected to their school.

NASP Educational Impacts

NASP is the largest youth archery program in history and currently serves over 2 million student archers. NASP continues to grow at about 1,000 schools per year, due to its ever-increasing relevance to promote student success and academic emphasis

  • 40% of students work harder in the Classroom
  • 58% of students feel more connected to their School
  • 39% of students want to join a NASP Alumni Organization
  • 50:50 Male to Female Participation

CONFIDENCE             ~           SELF-ESTEEM        ~           FRIENDSHIP           ~          DISCIPLINE         ~         SPORTSMANSHIP       ~          SUCCESS 

What Do Students Think After Nasp?

  • 83% Like Archery
  • 66% Were New to Archery
  • 70% Like Their Teacher Better
  • 65% Intend to Be Lifelong Archers
  • 53% Like Themselves Better

Standard NASP Equipment Kit Includes:

  • Bows - 12 Standard Genesis (10 RH and 2 LH)
  • 5 Targets     
  • Bow Rack
  • Arrow Resistant Net (30’X10’)
  • Arrows - 10 dozen (2 boxes) 1820 Easton Aluminum 
  • 1 Repair Kit

How Does a School Join NASP?

•  Contact your TN NASP Coordinator: Don Crawford - don.crawford@tn.gov or (615) 293-5746  or Matt Clarey – matt.clarey@tn.gov or (615) 781-6645 or  https://www.naspschools.org/

•  Attend and Pass an 8-hour Basic Archery Instructor Certification Course

•  Buy a NASP Equipment Kit (Cost is approximately $3,300 per kit; grant money is available to applicants)

Here are some helpful links as well:

Shooting Ranges and Hunter Education Centers

TWRA offers several shooting ranges and hunter education centers throughout the state for public use.  In addition, we partner with federal and other archery ranges.  Make sure to check with each range and center to see what is offered and what permits you need. 

Email sign up link