The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will award more than $14.2 million in scholarships alone in 2017, increasing its previously announced 2017 educational commitment by 5 percent, bringing the full 2017 educational commitment to more than $26 million.
As college tuition costs continue to rise, the Show will increase all $18,000 four-year college scholarships to $20,000 awards, beginning with the 2017 scholarship awards.
“With the hard work of our volunteers and staff, combined with the support of the Houston community, we are extremely excited about our ongoing support of education and the youth of Texas,” said Jack Lyons, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo chairman of the board.
For the 2017-18 school year, the Show has committed to presenting more than 750 college scholarships, supporting 60-plus educational programs through grants, awarding numerous graduate assistantships, and providing awards and premiums to junior livestock show exhibitors and calf scramble participants.
The Show’s 2017 educational commitment of $26,065,510 is comprised of the following:
Scholarships: $14,272,000
Junior Show Exhibitors/Calf Scramble Participants: $7,653,750
Educational Program Grants: $3,614,360
Graduate Assistantships: $525,400
Total: $26,065,510
High school seniors graduating in May 2017 will be the first to take advantage of this increase. Scholarship applications open Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016, and eligible high school seniors may apply at rodeohouston.com/Educational-Support/Scholars/Apply. For more information about the scholarships and educational programs supported by the Show, visit rodeohouston.com/Educational-Support/Commitment.