HOUSTON — For the next three weeks, millions of visitors will head to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to see the concerts, watch the cowboys and cowgirls compete and chow down on just about every kind of food you can imagine.
But the reason for the season goes far beyond the fun and excitement. By attending, you're helping make dreams of a college education come true for hundreds of Texas students each year through scholarships and grants. HLSR's total 2024 educational commitment is a staggering $27.3 million, according to its website.
"I was actually in a state of shock," 2023 scholarship recipient Kalea Pete told us. "I was very just joyful and beyond grateful for this experience and to be able to have financial security for pursuing my college education."
Kalea was the first person in her family to graduate from high school and attend college. The Houston student said she grew up in a low-income neighborhood with a lot of crime and she saw education as her way out.
"I really just want to tell my story and be the voice of my community, so people from my area and also from my school, and yes, prove that you can accomplish anything," Kalea said. "You can actually put in the work and dedication it will pay off."
Twenty years ago, Shay Delgado's life was forever changed thanks to a $20,000 Rodeo scholarship.
"But I remember being very overjoyed because I knew that this was going to allow me to go to college," Shay told us. "Because otherwise, more than likely, I would not have been able to afford to go to college."
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Her resume years later is impressive. She has her bachelor's degree in history, another in political science, a master's in homeland security and now works for a literacy nonprofit.
"I would say that I am eternally grateful. It completely changed my life," Shay said. "Not only did it change my life, it changed my family tree."
There are currently 2,300 students attending 80 different Texas colleges and universities on Rodeo scholarships worth more than $50 million.
In fact, education is at the very foundation of what the Rodeo is all about.
"Our mission is to promote agriculture. Our mission is to support education and Western heritage and support this community so it all comes together," HLSR CEO Chris Boleman explained. "A lot of people obviously resonate with our scholarship piece and being able to give back. We heard from a number of students already, and so that really does exemplify what we do for the community and it's great."
It takes all 35,000 volunteers who make up 109 committees together to help make that difference. Because committee members work without pay, the Rodeo has more money to fund more than 800 scholarships.
Since the first student was awarded in 1957, the Rodeo has presented nearly 20,000 scholarships valued at $275 million.
How to apply for a Rodeo scholarship
The applications are closed for 2024. When they reopen this summer for the 2025 school year, you can apply here.
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements to be eligible for a Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo scholarship.
- U.S. citizen and Texas resident
- Graduating high school senior from an eligible school; you don't have to be a member of FFA or major in agriculture.
- Complete the free application for federal student aid available in December 2023.
- Plan to attend an accredited, not-for-profit university in the State of Texas.
- Have met minimum score requirement for either SAT or ACT.