The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is proud to announce that 27 graduate-level students are receiving additional funding for their continued education. A total of $481,100 will be awarded to the students through the Rodeo’s Graduate Assistantship Program.
“Supporting these scholars through our Graduate Assistantship Program is a reflection of the Rodeo’s long-standing commitment to education,” said Chris Boleman, Rodeo president and CEO. “For more than five decades, this program has helped graduate students pursue advanced degrees that will help shape the future of agriculture and education.”
By the Numbers:
24 students pursuing master’s degrees
3 students pursuing doctoral degrees
11 graduate-level programs supported:
Master of Science degrees: ag and consumer science, ag education, ag leadership, education and communications, ag sciences, agriculture, natural resources and human sciences, animal science, sustainable agriculture and food environment
Doctor of Philosophy: ag leadership, education and communications, ag sciences and natural resources, horticulture sciences
Students to attend 11 Texas universities:
Angelo State University, Sam Houston State University, Stephen F. Austin State University, Sul Ross State University, Tarleton State University, Texas A&M University, East Texas A&M University, Texas A&M University–Kingsville, Texas State University, Texas Tech University and West Texas A&M University.
Each university partner administers the Graduate Assistantship Program application and selection process. The stipends vary based on program and range from $12,500 up to $27,000.
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 over $22 million to these Texas institutions in support of agriculture professions.
The Rodeo has committed more than $28 million in education funding this year and more than $630 million in total to Texas youth and education since 1932. Additional information about the Rodeo’s educational commitment can be found here.

