CMP Scholarship Program
Scholarship Sponsored by Civilian Marksmanship Program
Introduction
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) is pleased to offer scholarship support to outstanding high school seniors who demonstrate excellence in marksmanship. For 2025, CMP will award more than $325,000 in scholarships to deserving juniors, with one-year awards available in $1,000, $3,000 and $5,000 amounts.
Major renewable awards and named scholarships
In 2025 CMP will also award four $5,000 scholarships that are renewable each year for up to four years (total potential value per award: $20,000). One of these—the Carolyn Hines Memorial Scholarship—will go to the top graduating senior who best reflects Dr. Hines’ ideals. Three additional $5,000 renewable scholarships will honor the retirements of long-serving CMP Board members Judith Legerski, Jon Bengston and Harry Sieben, in recognition of their commitment to youth programs. Recipients of these and other CMP scholarships are chosen by members of the CMP Scholarship Committee.
Additional funded scholarships
- The Garand Collectors Association has generously funded four $5,000 John C. Garand Scholarships.
- The family of Michael Thomas Randall has provided three $5,000 Michael T. Randall Memorial Scholarships.
- CMP Local Scholarships will also be awarded in the Anniston, AL; Talladega, AL; Port Clinton, OH; and Oak Harbor, OH areas. Applicants for these local awards do not need prior marksmanship experience.
Use and payment of awards
Most CMP scholarships are one-year awards that can be applied to any accredited post-secondary program, including colleges, universities, technical/trade schools or vocational programs. Scholarship funds may also be used toward post-secondary education expenses during the upcoming academic year. Scholarship checks are issued directly to the recipient and may be used to pay fees or other educational expenses not covered by other awards or grants.
Who should apply
CMP encourages applications from graduating high school seniors who currently participate in marksmanship competition through a team or club. Applicants should demonstrate competitive marksmanship experience (examples include air gun, smallbore, pistol, rifle, shotgun, archery, etc.).
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for CMP scholarships, applicants must:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Be of good moral character.
- Be a graduating high school senior.
- Show acceptance to an accredited college, university, or trade/technical school leading to a diploma or trade certification.
- Provide evidence of participation in marksmanship competitions (except for certain local scholarships noted above).
Application materials and deadline (2025–2026)
Applications for the 2025–2026 CMP Scholarships must include:
- A completed application form.
- A certified copy of the applicant’s high school transcript.
- A personal letter explaining the reasons for applying and how the scholarship will assist the applicant in reaching his or her goals.
- Additional documentation verifying marksmanship activity.
All application materials must be received by April 4, 2026. Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered.
Selection
Scholarship recipients are selected by the CMP Scholarship Committee based on the application materials and demonstrated merit.