Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Announces $21.7 Million Educational Commitment for 2021

HOUSTON, TX - Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo officials approved an educational commitment of $21,691,500 to support Texas youth and statewide educational programs in 2021. A majority of the funds will be administered through more than 800 scholarships valued at $14,186,000.

“Despite a heartbreaking early closure in 2020 and the difficult months that followed, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo remained committed to its mission of promoting agriculture and supporting Texas youth and education, and we hope today’s announcement is a bright spot in a challenging year,” said Chris Boleman, Rodeo president and CEO. “Thanks to the unwavering support from our community, and the resiliency of our dedicated 35,000 volunteers who share a passion for our charitable mission, we are able to reaffirm our promise to the youth of Texas and also lend support to charitable organizations that serve our great community and state.”

The Rodeo’s 2021 educational commitment will award more than $14.1 million in scholarships, more than $5 million to junior show exhibitors, $2 million in educational program grants and more than $470,000 toward graduate assistantship programs.

The Rodeo’s 2021 educational commitment includes:
• Scholarships - $14,186,000
• Junior Show Exhibitors - $5,010,750
• Educational Program Grants - $2,022,360
• Graduate Assistantships - $472,390
• Total - $21,691,500

Scholarships
More than 800 scholarships will be awarded through the Rodeo’s scholarship programs. These scholarship programs will support over 600 recipients with a $20,000 scholarship to apply toward a four-year undergraduate degree. Recipients may pursue a major in any field of study at an accredited, public Texas college or university. The application process opens online Dec. 7, 2020, and closes Feb. 22, 2021. For full eligibility requirements, or to apply online, click here. As one of the largest scholarship providers in the U.S., the Rodeo has presented more than 19,500 scholarships valued at $232 million since 1957.

Junior Show Exhibitors
Education extends beyond the classroom, which is why the Rodeo supports students who demonstrate leadership as members of Texas 4-H or FFA. Each year, the Houston Livestock Show draws thousands of Texas 4-H and FFA exhibitors to compete at the world's largest livestock show, each hoping to take home the coveted title of Houston Champion. Sizable prizes and premiums will be awarded to junior show exhibitors, including calf scramble contestants who participate in the 2021 Houston Livestock Show. Since 1932, $184 million has been committed to exhibitors through premiums and calf scramble certificates.

Educational Program Grants
Grants will be awarded to 501(c)(3) charities and accredited institutions of higher education that align with the Rodeo’s mission. The Rodeo’s 2021 grant recipients include Cristo Rey Jesuit Preparatory School of Houston, Houston Symphony, Houston Hispanic Forum, Neuhaus Education Center and the Texas Wildlife Association Foundation, among others. To date, the Rodeo has presented nearly $80 million in research, grants and educational programs to more than 100 organizations and institutions in Texas. To view the complete list, click here.

Graduate Assistantships
Funds will also be awarded to graduate assistantship programs at 11 Texas universities, with each university program given the opportunity to administer the application and selection process. The selected universities for 2021 include: 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.

Click here to view the 2021 Educational Program Grant descriptions.