National TARS was founded in December of 1964 on the heels of Senator Barry Goldwater’s unsuccessful campaign for the White House. Goldwater’s campaign energized a generation of young Americans and helped ignite the modern conservative movement.

Inspired by that momentum, teenagers across the country wanted to remain engaged in the Republican Party and continue advancing the principles they believed in. As a result, TARS was born. 

For more than six decades, TARS has equipped hundreds of thousands of high school students with the skills, leadership, and experience to become active participants in the Republican movement. Alumni have gone on to serve in elected office, lead successful businesses, strengthen their communities, and make a lasting impact in countless professions.

Today, as our nation embarks on its next 250 years, we invite you to become a founding member of the 1964 Society by making a recurring gift of $19.64 per month. Your monthly investment honors our founding year while helping ensure that TARS can continue developing the next generation of conservative leaders.