That mission aligns directly with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo ™.
In its 69-year commitment to youth development, the Rodeo has supported more than 3,000 scholars through Texas 4-H scholarships alone. Among them is Rylee Wunderlich, a 2025 Texas 4-H scholarship recipient and animal science production major at Texas A&M University.
Born into a multigenerational ranching family and raised on a commercial cow-calf operation, Wunderlich said she always knew she wanted to contribute to the future of the industry.
“Cattle ranching and agriculture were just embedded into me and heritage,” Wunderlich said.
As a young teenager, Wunderlich and her two siblings found a purpose that reflected their upbringing and passion for agriculture. It started with two simple questions: Does the next generation understand agriculture, and are we doing enough to educate them?
For Wunderlich, the answer was clear.
“Agriculture is everywhere. It’s the clothes on our backs, the food on our plates, and the shelter over our heads,” she said. “However, 72% of Americans have limited knowledge of agriculture. Understanding where your food comes from allows people to make informed decisions to maximize their food’s quality … this lack of knowledge on agriculture affects public policy and perception regarding farmers and ranchers, the very people providing the food we eat.”
That passion led to the creation of an ag literacy program founded by Wunderlich and her brother (and later carried on by her sister).
The two trained nearly a dozen volunteers to read strategically selected books to second-grade students and teach agricultural concepts through daily activities, worksheets, hands-on learning and supply bags provided by Texas agricultural organizations.
What started with a reach of 200 students eventually grew to nearly 2,000 students and inspired a workshop designed to help others launch their own ag literacy programs.
“Those we have reached over the years and those we will reach in the future may not become experts on agriculture and the daily work of those who keep the industry running, but they do attain a higher level of awareness and ag literacy,” Wunderlich said. “It’s about promoting change and progress today in hopes of a brighter future.”
Stories like Wunderlich’s are the purpose behind the Rodeo’s Texas 4-H scholarships.
“Many of these students have spent years developing the skills and work ethic instilled in them through 4-H, all of which define great leaders,” said newly elected Chairman of the Board Wesley Sinor. “Supporting their education is one of the most meaningful ways we can invest in the future of Texas and agriculture.”
This year, the Rodeo awarded 70 Texas 4-H students with $20,000, four-year scholarships totaling $1.4 million — one portion of the organization’s record $30 million educational commitment in 2026.
These students will pursue 36 different fields of study, including animal science, agricultural communications, agricultural economics, agricultural business and biomedical sciences.
Together, they represent the future of Texas agriculture and the industries that support it.
For nearly 95 years, the Rodeo has remained committed to supporting the next generation, recognizing that dedication is often the foundation for the future of agriculture and its leaders.
Wunderlich is one example.
“Wherever life may take me, I can assure you that my passion for agriculture will shine through and leave a mark on my community and on the industry that has meant so much to me,” Wunderlich said.
She is also a reminder of why the Rodeo continues to invest in Texas youth through the generosity of its donors, annual attendees, 36,000 volunteers and sponsors.
To read more about the Rodeo’s 2026 educational commitment, click here.