Today, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo officials announced that 29 graduate-level college students will receive a total of $462,588 in educational funding through the Rodeo’s Graduate Assistantship Program. These funds will support 26 students pursuing master’s degrees and 3 doctoral students for the 2023-2024 academic year.
“In the 1970s, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo became the first of its kind to support agricultural research on such an extensive level, and it’s a mission-driven effort that we continue to support today,” said Chris Boleman, Rodeo president and CEO. “The value of this research is significant in many ways beyond the goal of each project. By supporting these research projects, we are able to increase knowledge in vital agricultural fields, such as animal production, genetics, crops, entomology and management practices.”
The Rodeo’s Graduate Assistantship Program supports 14 graduate-level programs at 11 Texas universities, including: Angelo State University, Sam Houston State University, Stephen F. Austin State University, Sul Ross State University, Tarleton State University, Texas A&M University, Texas A&M University – Commerce, Texas A&M University – Kingsville, Texas State University, Texas Tech University and West Texas A&M University. Each university program administers the graduate assistantship application and selection process.
The Graduate Assistantship Program represents a portion of the Rodeo’s annual commitment to Texas youth and education. The program began in the early 1970s to grow the Rodeo’s involvement with the state’s agricultural schools and to further its commitment to institutions, education and agriculture. Since then, the Rodeo has awarded $15.7 million to these Texas institutions in support of agriculture research.
In 2023, more than $22.5 million has been committed to scholarships, junior show exhibitors, educational program grants and graduate assistantships. Since 1932, the Rodeo has committed more than $600 million to the youth of Texas and education. Additional information about the Rodeo’s educational commitments can be found here: rodeohouston.com/Educational-Support/Commitment.
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 2024 Rodeo is scheduled for Feb. 27 – March 17. The 2024 World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, presented by Cotton Holdings, is scheduled for Feb. 22 – 24. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and follow @RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all the latest news.