Dung Vuong said he remembers what it feels like to start over.
At just 3 years old, he moved with his family from Vietnam to Houston in search of opportunity. What followed was not immediate stability, but years of financial hardship, housing uncertainty and sacrifice. Still, through every challenge, he held onto one goal: building a better future for his family.
That goal is now within reach.
Growing up in Houston, Vuong learned early that success would require resilience. His parents, who were unable to complete their own education, emphasized hard work and perseverance. Financial challenges were a constant, but those experiences shaped his determination and focus.
“I will graduate college and ensure a well-paying job that will make them proud,” he said.
Through the challenges, Vuong found purpose in science and academics, using them as a path toward a future that extended beyond the circumstances he had known.
“Living in a hard household took a mental toll,” he said. “Academics became my outlet from the traumas that came from my lifestyle.”
This fall, Vuong will attend the University of Texas at Austin, where he plans to study biomedical engineering, a path that reflects both his curiosity and his desire to create lasting stability.
Vuong is one of 541 Texas students awarded a $20,000, four-year scholarship in 2026, representing a more than $10.8 million investment in the next generation of leaders. These scholarships are part of the Rodeo’s record $30 million educational commitment this year, reinforcing its mission to support Texas youth and education.
For many scholars in this year’s class, the opportunity to attend college represents more than academic achievement. It is the first step toward new possibilities. More than half of the recipients, 53% are first-generation college students, and 30% are first-generation high school graduates. Together, they represent families and communities across Texas pursuing opportunities that were not always within reach.
Scholars will attend 49 colleges and universities across the state, including the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University and the University of Houston. They plan to study across 126 different fields, with top majors including biology, psychology, mechanical engineering and nursing.
That determination is shared across this year’s scholarship class, a group defined by resilience, ambition and a commitment to building a better future. That was evident at the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo scholarship picnic on July 11. The day created opportunities for connection, from meeting supporters and taking photos with family to enjoying games and a Texas-style barbecue meal served by Rodeo volunteers.
The air was filled with excitement and pride. Postcards written to the Rodeo share a reminder of the impact of the Rodeo’s mission:
For students like Vuong, the scholarship represents more than financial support. It provides an opportunity to continue a journey shaped by sacrifice, determination and the belief that something greater is possible.
“For me, going to college is not only me living my dream, but also my parents’ dream because they never had the opportunity to,” Vuong said.
And for the Rodeo, it is part of a lasting commitment. Through the support of volunteers, donors, sponsors and attendees, the organization continues to open doors for Texas students and invest in futures that will strengthen communities for generations to come.
