Houston Livestock Show And Rodeo™ Total Educational Commitment Tops $450 Million In 2018

HOUSTON, Dec. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo released its annual educational commitment for 2018, awarding more than $26.7 million to support young Texans and statewide educational programs. This brings the Rodeo's total educational commitment to more than $450 million, since 1932.

"The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's annual educational commitment is a testament to the efforts of 33,000 dedicated volunteers, 100-plus staff members, and the generosity of hundreds of loyal donors and sponsors," said Jim Winne, chairman of the board. "It takes a diligent workforce to host millions of visitors at the world's largest livestock show and rodeo, and we are proud to pay it forward and give back to our communities by supporting educational efforts across the state of Texas."

For 2018, the organization has committed to presenting more than 750 college scholarships, supporting 70 educational programs through grants, awarding numerous graduate assistantships, and providing sizable prizes and premiums to junior livestock show exhibitors and calf scramble participants.

The Rodeo's 2018 educational commitment of $26,709,110 is comprised of the following:

More than 750 scholarships will be administered through 13 different scholarship program types that allow students to pursue majors in any field of study at a Texas college or university. Graduate assistantships are awarded at 11 different universities in Texas.

Houston Livestock Show™ premiums are awarded to Texas 4-H or FFA junior exhibitors for each competition. Exhibitors must be Texas residents and between the ages of 9 and 18.

Calf scramble participants also must be members of a Texas 4-H club or FFA chapter, and winners are given certificates to purchase a registered beef heifer or market steer to show at the Houston Livestock Show the following year.

Educational program grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) charities and accredited institutions of higher education that align with the Rodeo's goals. Grant recipients must benefit youth, support education, expand agricultural horizons, or preserve and honor pioneer heritage and cultures.

New educational grant recipients for 2018 include Chinquapin Preparatory School; Houston Community College; Houston Health Foundation; Houston Police Foundation; Lonestar Flight Museum; Sam Houston State University – Department of Agriculture Sciences and Engineering Technology; Texas A&M University – Kingsville – King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management; and the Texas Tech Foundation.

The Rodeo will continue to support organizations such as BakerRipley; Books Between Kids; Children's Museum of Houston; Crime Stoppers of Houston; The Hobby Center Foundation; Houston Symphony; Project GRAD Houston; Teach for America — Houston; and YMCA of Greater Houston, among others.

For more information about the scholarships and educational programs supported by the Rodeo, visit rodeohouston.com/commitment.

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 $450 million to the youth of Texas. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and connect with #RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all of the latest news. The 2018 Rodeo is scheduled for Feb. 27 – March 18.

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SOURCE Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo