The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo announced their educational commitment for 2025 this week, an impressive $28 million in scholarships, grants, and assistantships.

“As one of the core missions of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, being able to support Texas youth and education is one of our most prized achievements,” Rodeo president and CEO Chris Boleman said in a statement. “It is because of our over 35,000 volunteers, donors, partners, sponsors, and Houston community who support our mission year-round that allow us to continue to grow the Rodeo’s charitable mission, allowing both the organization and Texas students to achieve the extraordinary.”

The Rodeo has handed out $632 million in educational aid since it was founded in 1932, making it one of Houston’s oldest and most generous benefactors for students. Winners of the various awards will be announced after the Rodeo kicks off on March 4, 2025.

Houston-area scholars will receive the largest chunk of the commitment, $14.7 million. These funds go to students who excel in Future Farmers of America, 4H, and other Rodeo-adjacent activities. Some 800 scholarships will be handed out in 2025, and they can be life-changing.

One person who can attest to that is Kenzie Scanlon, currently attending Texas A&M thanks to a Rodeo scholarship.

“The Rodeo’s education support has helped me more than words can describe,” she tells CultureMap. “This scholarship has enabled me to go to school debt free. $20,000 is a lot of money, and with the opportunity to apply for the scholar-specific Achievers’ Scholarship worth an additional $16,000, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has given me and so many other students the ability to continue our education at the university level. Without this scholarship, I would not have been able to go this semester without the need to get a job to pay for outstanding loans. It has been such a blessing to be worry free about finances.”

In addition to scholarships, the Rodeo will hand out $9.7 million to junior show exhibitors. These can range up to $75,000 for some animals, making competition among showers very fierce. The remaining money goes to educational program grants to benefit school activities and assistantships for graduate students. All of it encourages students to pursue careers in the livestock industry.

“Participating in programs such as 4-H and FFA help students on more than just a financial level,” says Scanlon. “These programs help students develop responsibility, leadership, and a strong work ethic all while gaining crucial life skills like budgeting, public speaking, and problem solving. Organizations like this foster personal growth, build life-long connections, and provide opportunities for career exploration and involvement. Not only do they prepare you for real-life, but they allow students to discover new interests and make fun memories and life-long friends. Beyond scholarships, these programs equip students with valuable tools for success in life and future careers.”