In 2012 when he was a high school senior , Kirk wrote an essay for '' Breitbart News '' alleging liberal bias in high school textbooks leading to an appearance on the Fox Business Network . At a subsequent speaking engagement at Benedictine University 's " Youth Empowerment Day , " Kirk met Bill Montgomery , a retiree more than 50 years his senior , who was then a Tea Party – backed legislative candidate . Montgomery encouraged Kirk to get engaged in political activism full-time . He subsequently founded Turning Point USA . At the 2012 Republican National Convention , Kirk met Foster Friess , a prominent Republican donor , and persuaded him to finance the organization
2012 Republican National Convention
2012 Republican National Convention
Turning Point USA