History of NASP

The National Archery in the Schools Program was designed and implemented as a cooperative effort between the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources, Kentucky Department of Education and Mathews Archery. Planning for the NASP began in August, 2001. NASP was launched in 21 middle schools on March 3, 2002.

Student and teacher surveys conducted soon after program launch indicated NASP would be a great hit with students and their teachers. The program was immediately expanded to include students in elementary and high schools. A goal to establish NASP in at least 50 percent of the states was set. NASP has been adopted by thousands of schools from 47 states and five countries. NASP has proven extremely safe, popular and encouraging to students. Teachers report NASP works better than anticipated. According to teachers, NASP lessons result in students achieving better grades, behavior and school attendance. Millions of students are thrilled they don’t have to be the strongest, fastest, or tallest youngster to enjoy success in NASP-style target archery. Not only does archery inspire a student to want to go to school and achieve, many students report NASP makes them feel better about themselves because… ‘I can do it’!