The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR), one of the city’s most recognizable annual events, is also one of the largest scholarship providers in Texas. In 2026, the organization will award more than $15 million in scholarships to students across the state, continuing a decades-long tradition of supporting youth education through rodeo programming.
The scholarships are part of the rodeo’s broader 2026 educational commitment of more than $30 million, which also includes funding for junior livestock exhibitors and other educational grants.
“This milestone moment of reaching $30 million in a single year highlights the Rodeo’s unwavering dedication to Texas
Chris Boleman, HLSR president and CEO
youth and education.”
“This milestone moment of reaching $30 million in a single year highlights the Rodeo’s unwavering dedication to Texas youth and education,” HLSR president and CEO Chris Boleman said in a statement. “Thanks to our loyal donors, sponsors, more than 36,000 volunteers and dedicated attendees, 2026 will reach historic heights in supporting the next generation of leaders, agricultural professionals and organizations that share the Rodeo’s mission.”
For students in Houston and across Texas, the program represents a major opportunity to help pay for college or career training.
More than 800 scholarships planned in 2026
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo expects to award more than 800 scholarships through its various programs in 2026, making it one of the largest privately funded scholarship initiatives in the United States.
Since 1957, the Rodeo has awarded more than 23,000 scholarships valued at over $320 million.
Scholarships are distributed through several major programs that support students pursuing four-year college degrees.
These include:
Millions directed toward scholarships
In 2026, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will allocate $15,126,000 specifically for scholarships, the largest portion of its educational funding.
This includes:
- $11,273,500 for junior show exhibitors
- $3,430,880 for educational program grants
- $523,000 for graduate assistantships
These investments support not only college scholarships but also educational programs across Texas institutions and nonprofit organizations.
Scholarships supporting vocational careers
One new component of the 2026 educational commitment focuses on workforce development.
The rodeo introduced the Area Go Texan Vocational Scholarship, which will award 68 scholarships of $6,000 each to students from counties participating in the Area Go Texan program.
Since the program’s inception, the most funded fields include:
- Welding and pipefitting
- Chemical processing
- HVAC
- Truck Driving and Maintenance
- Construction and Manufacturing
Rodeo leaders say the initiative reflects growing demand for skilled workers in Texas industries and recognizes that a four-year university path is not the only route to a successful career.
Scholarships for students across Texas
Many of the Houston Rodeo scholarships are open to graduating Texas high school seniors who demonstrate academic achievement and community involvement.
Programs such as the Area Go Texan scholarship offer awards of up to $20,000 for students planning to attend nonprofit colleges or universities in Texas.
A long history of educational support
The scholarship program has been central to the mission of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for decades.
The rodeo awarded its first scholarship in 1957, and since then the organization has provided nearly 23,000 scholarships totaling more than $320 million to more than 2,300 students across 80 Texas colleges and universities.
Nearly half of past scholarship recipients were the first in their families to attend college, and more than one-quarter were the first in their families to graduate high school, according to the rodeo.
