The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo announced on Tuesday that it was handing out a record 529 scholarships to Texas college students, totally $10.5 million. The recipients were celebrated at the Rodeo's annual scholarship picnic on Saturday, July 12.

"These students represent the very best of Texas, and supporting their education is at the heart of everything we do,” said Chris Boleman, Rodeo president and CEO. “With the support of our donors, volunteers, sponsors, and loyal attendees, we are able to remain one of the largest annual scholarship providers in the country. Watching these students shine is a powerful reminder of our purpose.”

The Rodeo's scholarship commitment is funded through private donations and the annual auctions at the event in March. Both art and livestock sales contribute to the $28 million educational fund allotted by the Rodeo in 2025, which goes to further agricultural and STEM studies in the state. Since 1932, the Rodeo has allotted $630 million for furthering education through their Area GoTexan, Exhibitor, Military, and Houston Area programs in the form of fellowships, grants, and scholarships.

Each scholar receives $20,000 to spend at on a four-year graduate degree at a Texas college or university. Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Houston are the three most popular schools for Rodeo scholars to attend. One of those students is Ariana Miranda. Like 29 percent of recipients this year, she is a first-generation high school graduate. Preparing to apply for the scholarship took her two months of work, but she will now have a head start as she works toward becoming a lawyer.

"I had a bunch of teachers tell me that I should and that I was the perfect candidate for it," she said. "I think I actually submitted it the day it opened and here I am. I never told my parents that I was applying for the scholarship. I just told them I got it and they were so proud. In five years, I hope to be attending law school and I hope to come back and be a Rodeo volunteer.”