Seventy FFA members representing 57 FFA chapters from across Texas were presented with $1.4 million in scholarships from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo during the 96th Annual Texas FFA State Convention.
Scholarship recipients were selected by Texas FFA officials based on the students’ involvement with the program, academic and FFA achievements and financial need, as well as the FFA member’s performance in an interview process. Each scholarship recipient will receive a $20,000 scholarship from the Rodeo to apply toward a four-year undergraduate degree at a Texas college or university of their choice.
“The tradition of awarding Texas FFA scholarships has been the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s longest standing educational commitment. Dating back to the Rodeo’s first scholarship ever, we have been supporting Texas FFA student education for 67 years.” said Chris Boleman, president and CEO of the Rodeo. “The passionate link between the Rodeo and FFA for livestock and agriculture makes these scholarships even more special. This is a moment we so proudly celebrate.”
The top four schools these students will be attending are Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, West Texas A&M University and Sam Houston State University. Of the 70 FFA scholarship recipients, the top four majors include Animal Science, Agricultural Business, Agricultural Communications and Pre-Veterinary Medicine.
Since its establishment in 1929, the Texas FFA Association has been a cornerstone of secondary agricultural education, where students participate in classroom learning and hands-on agricultural projects. Embedded within the school’s agricultural science curriculum, the FFA’s mission is to enhance students’ lives by nurturing leadership, personal development, and career success through agricultural education.
These 70 FFA scholarships represent a portion of the Rodeo’s annual commitment of more than $27.3 million to support Texas youth and statewide educational programs in 2024. Additional information about the Rodeo’s educational commitment can be found here.
The 96th Annual FFA Convention was held in Houston at the George R. Brown convention center for the first time in 20 years. To celebrate, scholars and their families gathered to honor their hard-earned scholarship and success in FFA. Events were held July 8-12. Pictures can be provided by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
About the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo promotes agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage, and provides year-round educational support within the community. Since its beginning in 1932, the Rodeo has committed more than $600 million to the youth of Texas and education. The 2025 Rodeo is scheduled for March 4 – March 23. The 2025 World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, presented by Cotton Holdings, is scheduled for Feb. 27 – March 1. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and follow @RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all the latest news.