CMP Scholarship Program

Civilian Marksmanship ProgramYouthCMP Scholarship Program

UP TO $335,000 WILL BE AWARDED

The Civilian Marksmanship Program is proud to provide this scholarship program for deserving high school seniors who excel in marksmanship! The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) offers $1,000, one-year scholarship assistance to qualified junior marksmen in order to encourage and reward their outstanding efforts.

Again in 2024, the CMP will present not just one, but FOUR $5,000 scholarships that will be renewable for 4 years (Total value of each scholarship awarded: $20,000). The “Carolyn Hines Memorial Scholarship” will be awarded to the top graduating senior who best exemplifies Dr. Hines’ ideals. Three additional scholarships will be awarded to top seniors to commemorate the retirement of longtime CMP Board members Judith Legerski, Jon Bengston and Harry Sieben, who were all devoted to sustaining youth activities. The overall applicants will be determined by members of the CMP Scholarship Committee.

The remaining CMP Scholarships are one-year awards that may be used to fund any accredited secondary education, technical/trade school or vocational program. CMP Scholarships may also be used to pursue a post-secondary education during the upcoming school year.

The Scholarship Program will also award CMP Local Scholarships in the Anniston, Alabama, Talladega, Alabama, and Port Clinton, Ohio, areas. Seniors are encouraged to apply and no marksmanship experience is required to apply for the CMP local scholarships.

The scholarships are paid directly to the scholarship recipient. The check may then be used to pay other fees or expenses that are not covered by other awards or grants.

The CMP seeks applications from high school seniors who currently compete in marksmanship competitions. Based on merit, selected individuals are high school seniors who are currently enrolled in a team or club that is participating in marksmanship competitions. 

If you have any questions, please contact Dana Lynd at (419) 635-2141, ext. 723, email dbacak@thecmp.org.

Who is eligible to apply for a scholarship? 

To be eligible for CMP scholarships, junior shooters must:

  • Be a U.S. Citizen.
  • Be of good moral character.
  • Be a graduating high school senior.
  • Demonstrate acceptance to a university, college or trade school leading to a diploma or trade certification.
  • Demonstrate marksmanship competition experience.

Garand Collector’s Association Scholarship Donation

Along with the $1,000 scholarships awarded by the CMP, the Garand Collectors Association (GCA) has generously donated $30,000 to the CMP to be used for additional student-athlete scholarship earnings. The next Top 15 recipients the top individual, determined by CMP staff and board members, will receive an extra $2,000 toward their furthered education.

Since its beginnings in 1986, the GCA and its members have worked diligently to expand knowledge on the M1 Garand, preserve its history and to encourage and assist others in collecting the historical rifle. The GCA has also worked closely with the CMP since 2000 on sorting/grading M1 Garand rifles and encouraging competitive and recreational firearm safety.


The Talladega Superspeedway has donated $5,000 towards the CMP Scholarship Program. This will be awarded to a local Alabama scholarship recipient.

On an unassuming stretch of land suited for soybean farming located next to a couple of abandoned airport runways, crews constructed the biggest, fastest, and most competitive superspeedway in the world- Talladega Superspeedway.

Since Alabama International Motor Speedway (as it was called until 1989) opened its gates in September of 1969, the track has surpassed every initial expectation in terms of sheer size, speed, and competition.


The CMP would like to extend our Congratulations to the Class of 2023. We proudly present the 2023 CMP Scholarship Awardees.

Click Here to view the Class of 2023 CMP Scholarship Winners

Scholarship recipients must respond by returning the confirmation form by July 1 to confirm that they accept the scholarship and to provide contact information for the college, university or vocational school where they will enroll.


Information for the 2024 CMP Scholarships

A complete application must contain all required documentation. Visit https://thecmp.infoready4.com/CompetitionSpace/ to apply. In addition to the completed application form, please include:

  • A certified copy of the applicant’s high school transcript
  • Letter of Nomination/Recommendation from the Coach, Instructor or Adult Leader
  • A letter from the applicant including the reasons for applying and how the scholarship will help in pursuit of the applicant’s goals
  • Additional Documentation of proof of marksmanship activity

Your scholarship application must be completed by March 31, 2024. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.


About Dr. Carolyn Hines: An inspiring woman who accomplished a myriad of incredible achievements in her lifetime, Dr. Carolyn Hines spent over 20 years as a dedicated member of the CMP Board of Directors – actively involved in many measures to encourage youth opportunities but none so passionate as her leadership in the Scholarship Committee. During her commitment to the program, she was instrumental in developing a financial allocation that reached $160,000 towards marksmanship junior athletes. Dr. Hines passed in December 2019, leaving a legacy that will live on through those who will use her Memorial Scholarship to create limitless possibilities for future generations.