When the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife and Department of Education launched a new school archery program, Archery: On Target for Life, in 2002, officials had no idea it would become an instant success not only in Kentucky, but also across the nation.

In fact, the program, which promotes student education and participation in target archery, became so popular in Kentucky schools, other states, including Michigan, began to take notice.

As a result, the name was changed to the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) and today 40 states are actively involved with the program.

Michigan was the 11th state to implement the NASP in 2004, when the Department of Natural Resources conducted a pilot program in 12 schools. The program here is supported by a partnership between the DNR and the Archery Trade Association, which provides financial support to help grow the sport of archery in Michigan.

"Today, more than 100 schools representing 37 counties across the state have started a program, with over 5,000 Michigan students taking part this year," said Mary Emmons, NASP coordinator.

Here's how the program works.

The DNR offers free basic archery instructor courses to educators, predominantly physical education teachers, who wish to implement the program in their school. The course includes safe range set-up, eye dominance, string bow training aids, the 11 steps to archery success, coaching techniques, positive reinforcement and feedback, safety orientation and equipment nomenclature and inspection.

"Upon completion of the BAI course, educators, regardless of their previous experience in target archery, will have the knowledge and ability to conduct archery programs in their classroom in a very safe manner," Emmons said.

Schools who join the program must acquire an archery equipment kit. Archery equipment manufacturers have partnered with the NASP to make the kits affordable. The complete archery equipment kit, which includes 11 Genesis compound bows (one left handed), five dozen arrows, five targets, one Kevlar backstop net, two bow-hanging racks and a repair kit can be purchased for about $2,600.

"One of the reasons educators enjoy this program is because the equipment is universally designed," Emmons said. "The Genesis bow has a universal draw length and a 10-pound to 20-pound adjustable draw weight, which means that students in all grade levels can utilize the same bows regardless of their size or physical strength. In addition the program utilizes 30-inch aluminum arrows, which all students can shoot regardless of their draw length."

Currently, the DNR is offering 50% matching archery equipment grants to schools, both public and private, which join the program and can provide the required $1,300 match. The school also must be willing to sign an equipment agreement with the DNR. Schools in need of financial assistance are placed in the Adopt-A-School program.

"The Adopt-A-School program was implemented to assist schools in locating sponsors," Emmons said. She added that 100% of the donations received through the Adopt-A-School program are utilized to help schools purchase their archery equipment.

"The two-week archery NASP curriculum, which has been revised to meet Michigan Department of Education standards and grade level expectations, incorporates archery history, safety, technique, equipment, mental concentration and self-improvement in addition to shooting techniques. The curriculum also includes guidelines for teaching archery to people with disabilities.

"The great thing about this program is that all students regardless of age, size or physical ability can not only participate in target archery, but also be successful," Emmons said. "This program has the ability to reach beyond the realm of student athletes and allow those who may not typically participate in school activities to find a niche. The program is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to participate in and enjoy the sport of target archery not just during their youth, but for a lifetime."

Schools also are encouraged to develop after school archery clubs for students interested in participating in the sport after the two-week archery class is over. In fact, Michigan youth soon will have an opportunity to showcase their skills in the national spotlight at the NASP National Tournament to be held in Louisville, Ky., next summer.

According to Emmons, the top three teams and individual archers from grade level divisions 4-5, 6-8 and 9-12 all will be given an opportunity to represent Michigan in the tournament.

"Not only will the teams participating in the national tournament be representing their state, but the students also will be competing for college scholarships," she said.

For more information about Michigan's Archery in the Schools Program, visit the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnrarchery.