Today, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo officials announced that 29 graduate-level college students will receive a total of $464,590 in educational funding through the Rodeo’s Graduate Assistantship Program. These funds will support 26 students pursuing master’s degrees and three doctoral students for the 2022-2023 academic year.
“Supporting agricultural research at Texas universities that offer some of the state’s best agricultural research programs has been a staple of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s educational support since the 1970s,” said Chris Boleman, Rodeo president and CEO. “This educational support is directly in line with our mission of promoting agriculture and is furthering the research and agricultural knowledge in the areas of animal science, agricultural science, agricultural education, horticulture and wildlife management.”
The Rodeo’s Graduate Assistantship Program supports 14 graduate-level programs at 11 Texas universities, including: Angelo State University, Sam Houston State University, Stephen F. Austin State University, Sul Ross State University, Tarleton State University, Texas A&M University, Texas A&M University – Commerce, Texas A&M University – Kingsville, Texas State University, Texas Tech University and West Texas A&M University. The areas of study for these students include Animal Science, Agricultural Science, Agricultural Education, Horticulture and Wildlife Management. Each university program administers the graduate assistantship application and selection process.
The Graduate Assistantship Program represents a portion of the Rodeo’s annual commitment to Texas youth and education. The program began in the early 1970s to grow the Rodeo’s involvement with the state’s agricultural schools and to further its commitment to institutions, education and agriculture. Since then, the Rodeo has awarded more than $15 million to Texas institutions in support of agriculture research.
In 2022, more than $22 million has been committed to scholarships, junior show exhibitors, educational program grants and graduate assistantships. Since 1932, the Rodeo has committed more than $550 million to the youth of Texas and education. Additional information about the Rodeo’s educational commitments can be found here: rodeohouston.com/Educational-Support/Commitment.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo promotes agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage and provides year-round educational support within the community. Since its beginning in 1932, the Rodeo has committed more than $550 million to the youth of Texas and education. The 2023 Rodeo is scheduled for Feb. 28 – March 19. The 2023 World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, presented by Cotton Holdings, is scheduled for Feb. 23 – 25. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and connect with #RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all the latest news.