Scholarship Program
Up to $1,000,000 to be Awarded in 2027
In keeping with its mission to promote marksmanship, firearms safety, and youth development, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) proudly offers scholarships to deserving students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and a commitment to marksmanship. Eligible students are encouraged to apply and take the next step toward achieving their educational goals.
The CMP Scholarship Program recognizes and rewards outstanding junior marksmen while encouraging continued education and personal growth. In 2026, the CMP awarded more than $1 million in scholarships to deserving students.
New for 2026–2027: College Student Scholarships
In addition to its established scholarship program for graduating high school seniors, the CMP is expanding scholarship opportunities to include students currently enrolled in college who have continued participating in marksmanship competitions. Students are not required to compete on a collegiate marksmanship team to qualify, recognizing those who remain active in the sport through affiliated clubs and other competitive programs. Ten $5,000 scholarships will be awarded to college students.
$40,000 Renewable Scholarship
The CMP is pleased to continue its $10,000 annual scholarship, renewable for four years, providing a total award of $40,000 to a selected recipient.
Four $20,000 Renewable Scholarships
Four scholarships of $5,000 annually, renewable for four years, will be awarded. Each provides a total scholarship value of $20,000. These scholarships honor the retirement and lasting contributions of longtime CMP Board members Dr. Carolyn Hines, Judith Legerski, Jon Bengston, and Harry Sieben, whose dedication helped sustain and advance youth programs.
One-Year Scholarships
The CMP also offers one-year scholarship awards to qualified applicants. These awards may be used toward tuition and educational expenses at accredited colleges, universities, technical or trade schools, and vocational programs. Both $10,000 and $3,000 scholarships are awarded.
The Scholarship Program will also award up to 30 $1,000 CMP Local Scholarships in the Anniston/Oxford, Alabama, Talladega, Alabama, and Ottawa County, Ohio areas. Seniors are encouraged to apply, and no marksmanship experience is required to apply for the CMP local scholarships.
All scholarships are paid directly to the scholarship recipient. All scholarships will be sent via electronic deposit (ACH). The scholarship may then be used to pay other educational fees or expenses that are not covered by other awards or grants.
The CMP seeks applications from high school seniors and college students who currently compete in marksmanship competitions. Based on merit, selected individuals should be currently enrolled in a team or clubs that are participating in marksmanship competitions.
If you have any questions, please contact Matt Sandwisch at 419-635-2141 ext. 799 or email [email protected].
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP?
To be eligible for CMP Shooting Sports Scholarships, high school seniors 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 (this includes air gun, smallbore, pistol, rifle, shotgun, archery, etc.).
- Demonstrate community service and leadership.
To be eligible for CMP College Student Shooting Sports Scholarships, athletes must:
- Be a U.S. Citizen.
- Be of good moral character.
- Be a current freshman, sophomore, or junior in college.
- Be currently enrolled in a university or college.
- Demonstrate marksmanship competition experience (this includes air gun, smallbore, pistol, rifle, shotgun, archery, etc.).
- Demonstrate community service and leadership.
To be eligible for CMP Local Scholarships, high school seniors 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 community service and leadership
INFORMATION FOR THE 2026-2027 CMP SCHOLARSHIPS
Make sure you include all the documents requested for the scholarship you are applying for.
Your scholarship application must be completed by March 31, 2027. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
The CMP would like to extend our Congratulations to the Class of 2026. We proudly present the 2026 CMP Scholarship Awardees.
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.
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.
