This project is a partnership between the National Archery in the Schools Program®, Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Midwest Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, International Hunter Education Association, National Bowhunter Education Foundation, eResources LLC Via Studio division, and the National Wild Turkey Federation. This initiative aims to increase long-term participation and retention in archery and other outdoor recreational activities among students introduced to archery through the National Archery in the Schools Program and their families. In the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies states, 353,714 students participated in the National Archery in the Schools Program during the 2024 and 2025 reporting years, and 452,750 participated in the Midwest Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies states. Across these regions, 8,598 schools host the National Archery in the Schools Program®, with program coordinators housed within state fish and wildlife agencies. Despite strong interest, many students and families lack awareness of accessible pathways to continue participation in archery, fishing, and hunter and bowhunter education. Studies by the Archery Trade Association confirm a drop-off in participation after graduation due to limited awareness of local facilities and opportunities. This project will connect participants and their families directly with nearby archery ranges, urban fishing sites, and hunter and bowhunter education courses, promoting lifelong recreational habits, increased family involvement, and enhanced conservation awareness. Activities include mapping National Archery in the Schools Program schools and nearby resources in up to ten states, launching regionally targeted digital marketing campaigns using geofencing technology, distributing family-oriented digital resource packages through school coaches, and implementing an evaluation framework that tracks participation and engagement across school, range, and fishing locations. Partners will collaborate to ensure accurate mapping, develop messaging that resonates with youth and families, and provide ongoing analysis of campaign success. Expected outcomes include increased awareness of local recreational opportunities, measurable growth in visits to community archery ranges and fishing sites, enhanced family participation, and establishment of a scalable model for replicable recruitment, retention, and reactivation strategies. Deliverables include a comprehensive mapping 2 report, creative marketing materials, an advertising and marketing campaign with analysis, digital resource packages, a full project evaluation report, quarterly trend reporting, and a final presentation of findings for state fish and wildlife agencies and partners. The primary beneficiaries are students participating in the National Archery in the Schools Program® and their families, along with state fish and wildlife agencies seeking to strengthen youth engagement in outdoor recreation. No subrecipient activities are expected.
Bridging the Gap: Building Pathways for NASP® Families to Outdoors Resources that Foster Lifelong Recreation
Fiscal Year
2026
Organization
Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
Grant Number
F26AP00447
Categories
Marketing, R3, Tool Development
R3
Yes