The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, in partnership with the Hildebrand Foundation, is investing in the next generation of students in rural communities across Texas. Through the inaugural Hildebrand Rural Scholars Program, the organizations have awarded nearly $1.8 million in four-year and vocational scholarships to 106 students from small communities across the state.
“Rural communities are essential to the strength and future of Texas, and these scholars reflect the talent, determination and leadership found there,” Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo President and CEO Chris Boleman said. “Through our partnership with the Hildebrand Foundation, we are proud to invest in the education of the scholars and help create pathways for them to build meaningful careers, serve their communities and shape the future of agriculture and industries across our state.”
Launched in March 2026, the Hildebrand Rural Scholars Program supports outstanding 4-H and FFA members from rural Texas communities who qualify for a Federal Pell Grant. The program includes three scholarship pathways:
- Four-Year Scholarships
- Vocational Scholarships
- Achievement Scholarships
The program is offered in addition to the Rodeo’s existing commitment of more than $30 million to Texas youth and education. Recipients are eligible to receive one Rodeo scholarship at a time, including either a Hildebrand Rural Scholars Program scholarship or another Rodeo scholarship.
Four-Year Scholarships
The program awarded 90 four-year scholarships valued at $20,000 each, for a total of $1.8 million.
- 75% of recipients are female and 25% are male
- 18% are first-generation high school graduates
- 51% are first-generation college students
- Recipients are attending 25 colleges and universities
- Top schools attended: Texas A&M University, Tarleton State University and Texas Tech University
- Recipients are pursuing 35 different majors
- Top majors pursued: animal science, nursing and agribusiness
Vocational Scholarships
The program awarded 17 vocational scholarships valued at $6,000 each, for a total of $102,000.
- 33% of recipients are female and 67% are male
- 24% are first-generation high school graduates
- 59% are first-generation college students
- Recipients are attending 11 colleges and universities
- Top schools attended: Wharton County Junior College, Clarendon College and Blinn College
- Recipients are pursuing 12 different majors
- Top majors pursued: ranch management, dental hygiene and instrumentation technology
Achievement Scholarships
The program awarded 10 scholarships valued at $4,000 each per semester, for a total of $100,000.
- 67% first generation college students
- Recipients are attending 4 colleges and universities
- Top schools attended: Texas A&M University, University of Texas and Abilene Christian University
- Recipients are pursuing 6 different majors
- Top majors pursued: agribusiness, animal science and nursing
Additional information about the Hildebrand Rural Scholars Program and the Rodeo’s scholarship opportunities is available here.