Feb. 19, 2026 – 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 Grace.Vierra@wildlife.ca.gov.
* 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.
Media Contacts:
Grace Vierra, State Coordinator, CalNASP, (916) 708-8516
Jen Benedet, Assistant Deputy Director, (916) 903-9270
Persons with disabilities needing reasonable accommodation to participate in public meetings or other CDFW activities are invited to contact CDFW’s Accessibility Coordinator in the EEO Office at (916) 902-9097, or send an email to EEO@wildlife.ca.gov. Reasonable Accommodation requests for facility and/or meeting accessibility should be received at least 21 days prior to the event. Requests for American Sign Language Interpreters should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event, and requests for Real-Time Captioning at least four weeks prior to the event. These timeframes are to help ensure that the requested accommodation is met. If a request for an accommodation has been submitted but due to circumstances is no longer needed, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator immediately.