CMP Awards Over $1 Million in Scholarships for 2026-2027 School Year
July 24, 2026
After months of reviewing hundreds of applications from an impressive community of juniors, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Scholarship Committee has announced the 2026 class of recipients!
Since 2005, the CMP Scholarship Program has presented scholarships to high school seniors based on merit, humanitarian efforts, extracurricular activities and marksmanship participation. High school student-athletes are encouraged to apply for CMP Scholarships, which may be used to pursue post-secondary or vocational programs, community colleges or university educations as well as trade schools to cover a variety of interests.
This year, the CMP decided to revamp its Scholarship Program by discontinuing its one-year $1,000 scholarships and moving to $3,000, $10,000, $20,000 and $40,000 scholarships.
In total, the CMP presented over 230 one-time $3,000 scholarships, 16 $10,000 scholarships, and 29 one-time local scholarships to those in the surrounding areas of CMP’s offices in Ohio and Alabama. The CMP also presented scholarships to the top senior athletes in the CMP Three-Position Air Rifle National Sporter and Precision Championships at Camp Perry.
This year’s recipient of CMP’s first $40,000 scholarship (four-year recurring $10,000 scholarship) was Lucy Evans of Cartersville, Ga.
A graduate of Cartersville High School, Lucy participated in air rifle competition through her 4-H program and the local American Legion over the last five years. During that time, she competed on the national level at multiple CMP events and even earned her Junior Distinguished Badge for excellence in 3P air rifle in 2025. Additionally, she was the Georgia 4-H Air Rifle State Champion in 2025 and the National 4-H Shooting Sport Champion in .22 Rimfire in 2024.
“Marksmanship has pushed me to learn skill development, discipline, safety, responsibility, leadership and how to control my mental mindset,” she said. “When I started shooting competitively, I had no idea what I was doing. I had never touched a gun before, let alone fire it. Placing myself in this sport has forced me to become comfortable with not knowing everything, but always push to want to learn more.”
“I think shooting sports will be a part of my life for a long time,” she continued. “If I can’t compete, I want to coach. Maybe both. But I intend to keep shooting!”
In the fall, Lucy will be attending Morehead State University as a member of the NCAA Division 1 rifle team.
The CMP’s four-year $5,000 scholarships, totaling $20,000 over four years for each recipient, were named in honor of past CMP Board members Harry Sieben, Carolyn Hines, Jon Bengston and former Chair Judith Legerski.
Earning this year’s four-year recurring scholarships are:
- Harry Sieben Scholarship: Marley Bowden
- Carolyn Hines Scholarship: Ashley Haymond
- Jon Bengston Scholarship: Nicole Berger
- Judith Legerski Scholarship: Natalie Samson
Outside of CMP’s contributions, the Garand Collectors Association (GCA) generously donated an additional $20,000. Recipients of the one-time, $5,000 scholarships were Sofie Edwards, Jenna Liang, Piper Ramirez and Owen Wagner.
To review all the selected applicants, view the CMP Scholarship Program page at https://thecmp.org/cmp-scholarship-program/. Congratulations!
About the CMP Scholarship Program:
CMP Scholarships are available to graduating high school JROTC, 4-H and other junior shooting club members. Scholarship applications are only accepted if they are received completed and if the applicant is a U.S. citizen, shows good moral character, is a contributing member to society and is a scholar marksman.
The CMP is dedicated to youth programs and furthering the education of the successful young adults involved within them and is proud to provide support to junior marksmen in their continuing education – helping to shape their fulfilling futures. Through these scholarships, the CMP is able to uphold its goal of awarding those who present exceptional talent, determination and citizenship within the field of marksmanship.