That commitment continues to grow. This summer, the Rodeo awarded $1.4 million in scholarships to 70 Texas FFA students during the 98th Annual Texas FFA Convention.
Investing in the Next Generation of Leaders
The Rodeo supports FFA because the organization develops many of the same values that have guided the Rodeo for more than 90 years: leadership, responsibility, service and commitment to agriculture.
“Supporting FFA Scholars is crucial to the future of the state of Texas and to the Rodeo. Students are not only learning about agriculture in the classroom; they are learning life skills in responsibility and communication. Students are going to excel in their chosen fields, and we are hopeful they bring their leadership skills and passion for agriculture back to their communities,” said Julie Bass, chief mission officer of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
While agriculture remains a cornerstone of the Rodeo’s mission, the skills students gain through FFA extend far beyond the classroom, show ring or farm. Members develop public speaking abilities, conduct research, manage projects and learn how to become leaders in their schools and communities.
These experiences often become the foundation for future success, regardless of the career path students choose.
For 2025 scholarship recipient Samantha Gilchrist, that foundation has been life-changing.
A Scholarship That Carries a Family Legacy
Being named a Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo FFA Scholar was especially meaningful to Gilchrist.
“I feel like it’s a continuing legacy, really,” she said. “FFA built me into who I am. It built the leader I am today. The research opportunities are what got me into college in the first place.”
Gilchrist is following in the footsteps of her older sister, Jillian, who was also a Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo scholar in 2019. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Jillian now works for Dr. Pepper, making the scholarship a meaningful connection shared by both sisters.
For Gilchrist, becoming a Rodeo scholar represented more than financial support.
“Just hearing ‘FFA scholarship recipient’ attached to my name is an honor,” she said. “It means I’m part of something bigger than myself. It’s an amazing legacy, and I know it will help me for years to come.”
Supporting Students Beyond Agriculture
One common misconception about agricultural scholarships is that recipients must pursue careers directly related to agriculture.
Gilchrist’s story demonstrates why that isn’t the case.
A student at The University of Texas at Austin pursuing a pre-medical track, she credits her agricultural experiences and FFA involvement for helping her discover a passion for research and learning.
“I know I’m a little bit of an untraditional Rodeo scholar,” Gilchrist said. “A lot of people told me I might have less of a chance because I’m not going into an agriculture field. But agriculture and FFA grew my love for research and grew my love for the major I’m going into.”
Her experience reflects a broader goal of the Rodeo’s scholarship program: supporting students as they pursue their individual dreams while carrying forward the leadership skills they developed through FFA.
More Than Financial Support
For many recipients, a Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo scholarship serves as a vote of confidence from an organization committed to helping students succeed.
When asked what she would tell future applicants, Gilchrist’s answer was simple.
“Absolutely go for it,” she said. “The organization is here to support students in whatever dream they have. They’re here to grow leaders and continue excellence. They would support anyone who wants to apply.”
A Mission That Endures
The Rodeo’s mission is to promote agriculture by supporting Texas youth, showcasing Western heritage and providing year-round educational support.
Through the FFA Scholarship Program, that mission continues to create opportunities for students across Texas—helping develop future physicians, engineers, educators, business leaders, agricultural professionals and countless others.
For students like Gilchrist, the impact extends far beyond a scholarship award.
It’s an investment in leadership, opportunity and a legacy that continues from one generation to the next.