USA Shooting is proud to announce an exciting Strategic Alliance with Positive Athlete, an organization dedicated to recognizing high school age student-athletes who exemplify character, leadership, resilience and other positive attributes—values that define the heart of USA Shooting.

Nominate a USA Shooting Athlete for Scholarships & Recognition

This year, Positive Athlete will award over $100,000 in scholarships to outstanding student-athletes nationwide. We encourage you to nominate a USA Shooting athlete in grades 9-12 who makes a difference in their community, inspires their peers, and leads with character. Any adult age 18 and over can nominate a USA Shooting Athlete.

• Nominations are free

• This Year’s Deadline: May 9, 2025

• Takes just 5 minutes

• Submit your nomination today: positiveathlete.org/nominate

As part of this Strategic Alliance, all nominees will receive lifetime access to Positive Athlete’s digital platform, launching in August 2025. This free resource—available via mobile app and desktop—provides leadership and career development opportunities, helping athletes grow beyond the sport.

“Positive Athlete is thrilled to form this strategic alliance with USA Shooting,” said Scott Pederson, Founder and CEO of Positive Athlete. “As an Olympic and Paralympic sport, shooting represents the highest levels of discipline, focus, and integrity, qualities we work to recognize and elevate in student-athletes across the country. This partnership allows us to highlight the next generation of athletes who are making an impact beyond the scoreboard, especially as USA Shooting celebrates its 30th anniversary as an official National Governing Body in 2025. We’re proud to help share their stories and amplify the leadership they demonstrate in their schools, communities, and in competition.”

This Strategic Alliance allows USA Shooting to recognize and celebrate the impact our young athletes make nationally, locally, and in their communities. Let’s work together to support and highlight the next generation of leaders within USA Shooting.

See below for FAQ:

What if I do not know all of a USA Shooting athlete's accomplishments? Don't worry. They will receive a link inviting them to supplement the information you provide.

How does the nomination process work? After a nomination is submitted, it is reviewed by Positive Athlete and verified as valid via their database platform. Positive Athlete then follows up with the nominee via email to ask more about their community involvement and story. The nominee is automatically qualified for all scholarships for which he or she is eligible.

How many scholarship dollars are available? Positive Athlete will award over $100,000 in scholarships this year around the country. Our team is working every day to increase the amount of scholarships available in new markets such as this one.

How has Positive Athlete made an impact? Positive athlete has operated in Pennsylvania and Georgia (its initial two states) over the past 12 years. In January of 2025 Positive athlete has expanded nationally. To date Positive Athlete has awarded over $550,000 in scholarships, received over 50,000 nominations since the program's inception, and recognized over 3,000 athletes and coached with awards-in just two states! There have been over 430 participating schools in Pennsylvania and Georgia; that's more than 80% participation.

How do nominees access resources and special opportunities? Beyond our scholarships, we are moving forward with a digital hub to manage our recognition program, incorporate new mentorship and leadership features, and deliver workforce development initiatives. Launching in 2025, this new workforce development program will provide high-level value to all Positive Athletes, nominees and winners.

How does Positive Athlete help USA Shooting? This relationship provides an opportunity for USA Shooting to honor the great things our athletes are doing across the country and in our local communities. With all nominees having access to Positive Athlete's free resources and character, leadership and development opportunities this is a USA Shooting member benefit that will empower our young athletes and make a lasting impact.

For more information contact Matt Amerlan at mamerlan@positiveathlete.org .

About Positive Athlete

Positive Athlete, Inc. is a national organization dedicated to promoting positivity in youth athletics through awards, scholarships, and leadership opportunities. The program highlights student-athletes who inspire through their character, commitment, and resilience. More at PositiveAthlete.org

About USA Shooting

USA Shooting, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation was chartered by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee as the National Governing Body for the Olympic & Paralympic Shooting Sports in April 1995. The organization develops and implements programs to promote growth in the sport and serves as a sanctioning body for local and national competitions. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center, USA Shooting has a full-time staff dedicated to our sport.