The educational future is bright for 423 Texas high school graduates who received $8.4 million in scholarships from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Wednesday, May 24. These college-bound seniors have their sights set on 39 different Texas universities and colleges and will major in 151 different fields of study.
“The students recognized tonight are the leaders of tomorrow,” said Joel Cowley, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo president and CEO. “With the support of more than 33,000 volunteers, our generous donors and those in the community who attend our Show, we are proud to contribute to the education of these very deserving individuals.”
In 2017, Show scholarships were increased from $18,000 to $20,000 for students pursuing a four-year, undergraduate degree. Tonight, students received $8,405,000 in funds from the following Show scholarship programs: Metropolitan, Opportunity, Exhibitor, Hildebrand, School Art, Technical and Military. Each recipient received a $20,000 scholarship, payable over four years, with the exception of Technical recipients who received a $9,000 scholarship to apply toward a two-year degree.
Among the 423 scholars, 23 percent are first generation high school graduates. In addition, a majority of students — 238 Metropolitan and 114 Opportunity recipients — were selected from Houston-area high schools in Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery and Waller counties.
In the second, and largest, of four scholarship presentations this summer, the students recognized tonight will attend college in the fall alongside their fellow Area Go Texan and Texas 4-H and FFA scholarship recipients for a total scholarship commitment of $14.3 million in 2017. Currently, more than 2,000 scholars currently attending 80-plus Texas colleges and universities on Show scholarships.
These scholarships represent a portion of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s annual commitment of more than $26 million to scholarships, research, endowments, calf scramble participants, junior show exhibitors, School Art participants and other educational programs. For more information on the Show’s educational support, visit rodeohouston.com/Educational-Support/Commitment.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a Section 501(c)(3) charity that benefits youth, supports education, and facilitates better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentation. Since its beginning in 1932, the Show has committed more than $430 million to the youth of Texas. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and connect with #RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all of the latest news. The 2018 Show is scheduled for Feb. 27 – March 18.