The Rodeo Empowers the Next Generation of Skilled Professionals with Half a Million Dollars in Vocational Scholarships

As Texas’ workforce continues to evolve, investing in career-ready education is critical to the state’s future and to the success of the students who shape it. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is proud to play a role in that journey, expanding its commitment to skilled trades by awarding $500,000 in vocational scholarships to students in Texas.

“Vocational education plays a critical role in building a strong and sustainable workforce, which is why the Rodeo remains deeply committed to expanding its investment in these programs,” said Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Chairman of the Board Pat Mann Phillips. “We are proud to support these career ready scholars as they pursue opportunities that contribute to industries vital to our communities and the agriculture industry.”

Each program that receives educational funding through the Rodeo’s Vocational Scholarship Program will manage the selection and distribution of its scholarship funds for the 2026-2027 academic year. For the second consecutive year, 10 trade school partners will work with the Rodeo to distribute the scholarships. The full list includes Brazosport College, Del Mar College, Houston City College, Lamar Institute of Technology, Lee College, Lone Star College, San Jacinto College, Texas State Technical College, Victoria College and Wharton County Junior College. In 2024, the Rodeo expanded its support from seven to nine schools, emphasizing its ongoing commitment to growing and enriching the next generation of skilled trade professionals.

“We are seeing continued growth in the demand for skilled professionals across a range of industries,” said Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo President and CEO Chris Boleman. “Investing in vocational education allows us to support students and veterans entering these essential fields while strengthening the workforce for the future.”

At a glance:

• 100 scholarships awarded to 21 different associate degrees or occupational certificate programs
• Top programs: Nursing, Process Technology and HVAC
• 50% of students are focused on industrial degree programs and 50% are focused on medical industry programs
• Approximately 65% of each student’s program is fully funded, including tuition, books and supplies

In several focus areas this year, scholarship recipients selected by the schools will emphasize careers in first responder, EMT and law enforcement professions. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will also allow schools to award scholarships to students pursuing other fields, including nursing, radiologic technology, medical laboratory technology, pharmacy technology, physical therapist assistant and occupational therapy. Students interested in funding through the Rodeo’s Vocational Scholarship Program should contact their school’s financial aid office for more information.

In addition to the Rodeo’s $500,000 commitment, two new scholarships in 2026, the Area Go Texan Scholarship and the Hildebrand Rural Scholar Program, are further expanding its investment in vocational education. The Area Go Texan Scholarship will award one student from each of the Rodeo’s 68 Area Go Texan counties up to $6,000 toward a vocational degree or certificate. The Hildebrand Rural Scholar Program will provide scholarships to outstanding 4-H and FFA members, including support for students pursuing vocational education. More information about 2027 applications will be available in the fall.

These Vocational Scholarships represent a portion of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s $30 million total commitment to Texas youth and education this year. Since the Vocational Scholarships began in 2015, the Rodeo has allocated more than $2.8 million to the program and $660 million in total scholarships since 1932.

The vast expansion of the Rodeo’s vocational initiatives was spearheaded by Chairman of the Board Pat Mann Phillips. During her three-year term, Phillips increased the Rodeo’s annual commitment to the program while cultivating partnerships with colleges and donors whose matching support brought the overall commitment for scholarships and grants to $2 million. She also pioneered a career fair, in partnership with Workforce Solutions, providing students and adults with job opportunities and resulting in nearly 250% attendance growth in its second year.

Additional information about the Rodeo’s Vocational Scholarship Program can be found here: https://www.rodeohouston.com/scholarships-and-grants/vocational-scholarships/