Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Scholarships
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a renowned event that promotes agriculture through education and entertainment. While the event itself is highly anticipated, one of its most significant outcomes is the annual scholarships it awards to deserving students. These scholarships can be considered life-changing for many recipients, including Kenzie Scanlon, a freshman at Texas A&M University.
Life-Changing Scholarships
Scanlon was awarded a $20,000 scholarship from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which she describes as "life-changing." She heard about the scholarship opportunity through her high school guidance counselor and was encouraged to apply. As a first-generation college student from a low-income family, Scanlon never thought she could afford college. However, thanks to the scholarship, she is now able to attend college debt-free.
Scholarship Program Overview
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo awards over 800 scholarships annually, with a total value of over $14.7 million. This year, the organization plans to award scholarships to 644 graduating seniors from the region. According to Jamie Voskamp, senior manager of the scholarship program, over 40% of the scholarship recipients will be first-generation college students.
Impact on Recipients
Voskamp notes that seeing students pursue their dreams is "amazing." The scholarship program tracks students and has found that 80% of recipients graduate from high school, which is 20% higher than the national average. There are currently 2,250 active students who have received scholarships from the program.
Additional Support
After receiving the initial scholarship, recipients can apply for an achievement scholarship in their junior and senior years of college. They can receive $4,000 per semester for up to four semesters. This additional support helps students who may have used up their initial funding by their junior year.
Recipient Success Stories
Scanlon is studying global art, planning, design, and construction at A&M, with hopes of pursuing a career in architecture. She also wants to obtain a master’s degree and help future generations of students. Her goal is to build K-12 schools, giving back to her community and making a positive impact.
Conclusion
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo scholarships are a testament to the organization’s commitment to education and the community. By providing financial support to deserving students, the organization is helping to shape the next generation of leaders and change-makers. For recipients like Kenzie Scanlon, the scholarships are truly life-changing, offering a chance to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on the world.
