CalNASP Celebrates Record-Breaking Year: 18 Schools Granted Archery Equipment in 2025-26
This is a press release from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife:
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is proud to announce that the 2025-26 school year marks the most California National Archery in the Schools Program (CalNASP) grants awarded since 2005. During the 2025-26 school year, 18 schools across the state received archery equipment kits and training.
CalNASP brings the sport of archery into eligible California classrooms, offering students in grades 4-12 a unique opportunity to learn discipline, focus and confidence through an inclusive activity that welcomes all skill levels and abilities. Each awarded school receives a complete start-up equipment kit valued at approximately $3,800, along with hands-on teacher training and curriculum support to ensure safe and successful implementation.
“This record year reflects the growing enthusiasm for archery in schools and the incredible commitment of educators who want to provide students with new ways to connect with one another and find new ways to thrive,” said Grace Vierra, CalNASP Coordinator. “This sport teaches patience, self-control and teamwork — skills that benefit students far beyond the archery range.”
CalNASP continues to champion accessibility by offering adaptive equipment for students with physical disabilities, ensuring every student has the chance to participate. The program aligns with California’s physical education standards and can be integrated into core subjects like math, science and history, making it a powerful tool for engagement and learning.
In 2025 the CalNASP Equipment Grant was awarded to four California elementary schools, seven middle schools and seven high schools. These 18 schools span Title I campuses, rural communities, coastal areas and mountain towns, helping ensure the program reaches students from diverse backgrounds.
To qualify for CDFW’s CalNASP Equipment Grant, schools must obtain district approval to teach target archery during regular school hours as part of their in-class curriculum. In addition, they must submit a complete application packet during the grant cycle, which runs from mid-April through Aug. 1. Teachers implementing the program are required to earn an archery certification through CDFW before beginning instruction.
CDFW thanks all participating schools for helping make this year one for the record books. For more information about CalNASP and future grant opportunities, visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/CalNASP or contact [email protected].
* CalNASP is an affiliate of the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP™) — a nonprofit, international style archery program dedicated to providing students in grades 4-12 the opportunity to learn and participate in target archery.
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Learn archery and always be on target.
As long as they aim at the target, not at the Target.
Be an ethical archery hunter. Hone stalking skills to get yourself close enough to assure proper shot placement.
Good news. I’m not going to hold my breath but firearm skills should be taught in schools as well. Firearm safety should be mandatory and firearm skills and competition available to those that meet scholastic standards.
What an incentive to achieve in class if the reward was a regular trip to the range.
Zach, you are correct. I agree that firearm skills and safety should be taught in schools. When I went to high school, we were taught proper firearm handling safety and were driven by school bus to a local target range. We each had a chance one at a time to try our marksmanship skills on a paper bullseye target. We were given ten .22 LR rounds to be fired in a bolt action, single shot rifle. We had a great instructor that was certified by the NRA to teach us. That exciting experience set me up for a world of fun through the years. I still go to a local range now and then to see if I can hit the bullseye. In high school we did not have any trouble with school shooters and other crazy people. You could put your rifle in your gunrack lock your door and go to class. Never once in four years did anyone try to steal your gun. Sadly, those times have changed.
This is a great thing.
It’s too bad the City of Eureka booted the Humboldt Archers club (est. 1955) out of their location above Englund Marine’s old store front at the foot of Commercial and 1st back in 2019. It’s even sadder that the club hasn’t recovered and found a new home. While not an official “non-profit”, it was run as one with minimal cash in the account, just enough to pay rent and occasionally buy new targets. We had a great time there while learning to shoot. Made several wonderful friends we still hang out with. We and our immediate friends, shot recurves, but many folks shot compounds. Everyone got along. You’d see the hippiest, patchwork pant, tree hugger talking cordially and comparing notes, techniques, equipment and tales with the roughest, quad riding, camo wearing rednecks (*). And then theyd all go together afterwards to get wings, or fries, and beers at the Vista. Kids were always welcome too (at the club, not the Vista), but there were a few designated Kids’ Days each year encouraging the next generation to learn the skill.
Gosh I miss that.
(*) – stereotyping, I know, but you get the point.