Investing in the Next Generation: Student Scholarship Sponsorships Open Doors to the Future of R3 Research and Leadership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 18, 2026

Contact:
The Council to Advance Hunting and Shooting Sports
Lance Cherry, Communications and Marketing Manager
[email protected]

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new student scholarship sponsorship opportunity is giving industry, agency, and conservation partners a direct way to invest in the next generation of Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation (R3) research and leadership professionals. A $5,000 sponsorship sends a student to the National R3 Symposium with travel, lodging, registration, and meals covered, reducing financial barriers while helping build the future workforce for hunting, shooting sports, and conservation.

“The National R3 Symposium is the foremost gathering for R3 professionals dedicated to strengthening the future of hunting, shooting sports, and conservation,” said Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports (Council) Executive Director Chuck Sykes. “This event provides a unique opportunity to share strategies, build partnerships, and ensure we continue making a meaningful impact in growing and sustaining our rich hunting and shooting sports heritage.”

Student Scholarship Sponsorship

$5,000

Scholarships are designed to connect donor priorities with emerging scholars, with recipients focusing on topics that often drive participation outcomes, including hunter recruitment and retention, satisfaction, land access, and communication barriers. The aim is to ensure the research pipeline stays aligned with real-world needs across the R3 community.

For sponsors, the program pairs mission impact with public visibility. Sponsor logos are featured on symposium materials, event signage, and media releases, with recognition positioned to highlight leadership in workforce development and outdoor heritage.

Beyond branding, the sponsorship is framed as a talent and innovation pipeline. Sponsors can preview student research, engage directly with emerging scholars, and build relationships that may lead to future interns, employees, or collaborators, while also receiving access to student abstracts and presentations as part of the sponsorship features.

Organizations interested in sponsoring a student scholarship can contact Scott Lavin, CAHSS Director of Research & Partnerships, at (360) 340-3206 or [email protected] for details. You can also donate online at https://cahss.org/scholar.

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