August 29, 2012
To Expand Collegiate Shooting Programs, NSSF Offers Colleges $300,000 in Grants
To encourage collegiate target shooting at both varsity and club levels, NSSF is inviting schools to apply for a total of $300,000 in grants to be awarded through its Collegiate Shooting Sports Initiative.
NSSF has awarded more than $650,000 to 75 colleges to help establish, expand and sustain shooting clubs and teams. Grant applications are available at nssf.org/college and must be submitted by September 21.
Schools that have received CSSI grants include Harvard, Yale, George Mason, Purdue Ecclesia College, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, CalState Channel Islands, Pratt Community College, Michigan State University, University of Florida, Texas A&M and many others.
CSSI grant-supported programs have helped double participation at the ACUI Intercollegiate Clay Target Championship over the last four years. The 2012 championships featured 520 registered shooters from 59 schools, a 15 percent increase over 2011.
While competition attracts one type of student, recreational target shooting draws students who want an introduction to the shooting sports and firearms safety. NSSF grants are helping to establish these campus-organized clubs. Such widespread interest prompted NSSF to develop its “How to Start a Club” resource guide. The guide is filled with helpful advice on starting both competitive teams and recreational shooting clubs, and includes samples of membership forms and club bylaws.
Anyone interested in starting or strengthening a college shotgun, rifle or pistol team or club can find resources and grant opportunities at nssf.org/college.
Categories: Education, Shooting, Top Stories