HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO™ ANNOUNCES NEARLY $21.7 MILLION EDUCATIONAL COMMITMENT FOR 2021

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.  

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 $500 million to the youth of Texas and education. For more information,  visit rodeohouston.com and connect with #RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram  and YouTube for all the latest news. The 2021 Rodeo is scheduled for March 2 – 21.