The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, in partnership with the Hildebrand Foundation, is proud to announce the establishment of the Hildebrand Rural Scholars Program, a new scholarship initiative designed to support outstanding students from rural communities across Texas.
“The Hildebrand Rural Scholars Program is about opening doors for students who are deeply rooted in agriculture and ready to shape its future,” said Chris Boleman, CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. “These scholars represent the strength, resilience and promise of rural Texas, and we are proud to support their educational journeys alongside the Hildebrand Foundation.”
Beginning in 2026, the Hildebrand Rural Scholars Program will award many scholarships to exceptional 4‑H and/or FFA members who demonstrate academic promise and leadership and who qualify for a Federal Pell Grant. The program is exclusively available to students from rural Texas communities and is intended to expand access to higher education and workforce training opportunities.
“At the Hildebrand Foundation, we believe talent and potential are everywhere in small communities spread across Texas.” said Jeff Hildebrand. “Unfortunately, opportunity does not always find its way to these rural communities, with large urban areas receiving a disproportionate amount of scholarship funding. Through the Hildebrand Rural Scholars Program, we will be “sowing the seeds” of opportunity for students from rural communities across Texas, helping them build a strong foundation for their path ahead. Partnering with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo allows us to invest in these young leaders who are rooted in agriculture and ready to make an impact across the great state of Texas.”
The Hildebrand Rural Scholars Program is offered in addition to existing Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo scholarship opportunities; however, recipients may not receive both a Hildebrand Rural Scholars Program scholarship and another Rodeo scholarship concurrently. The number of scholarships awarded in each category will be determined based on the applicant pool.
Scholarships will be awarded across the following categories:
- Four-Year Scholarships — $20,000
- Vocational Scholarships — $6,000
- Achievement Scholarships — $4,000/semester up to $16,000
The application process for the Four-Year and Vocational Scholarships will follow this timeline:
- Application Launch: April 1
- Application Close: May 1
- Verification Period: May
- Scholarship Review and Judging: Early June
- Scholarship Awards Announced: Late June
The Hildebrand Rural Scholars Program will provide additional Achievement Scholarships to current Rodeo Scholars who meet the program requirements.
The application process for the Achievement Scholarships will follow this timeline:
- Application Launch: May 15
- Application Close: June 26
Scholarship recipients will be formally recognized and included in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Scholars Picnic at NRG Center on July 11, 2026.
Through this partnership, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the Hildebrand Foundation reaffirm their shared commitment to investing in the future of rural Texas by supporting students who are building strong foundations for leadership, service, and success.
To learn more about the Hildebrand Rural Scholars Program and how to apply, visit the Hildebrand Rural Scholars page on our website or follow the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on social media.