Houston Livestock Show And Rodeo™ Educational Investment Reaches More Than $400 Million To Texas Youth

HOUSTON, Oct. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's annual pledge of nearly $26 million drives the organization's total educational commitment to an outstanding $404 million since its beginning in 1932.

"Thanks to generations of Houstonians, Show volunteers, donors, buyers and sponsors, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is one of the top scholarship programs in the nation, and our contributions to our junior market exhibitors and grant recipients have impacted countless youth over the years," said Jack Lyons, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo chairman of the board. "The Show's total educational commitment is a milestone we all take great pride in."

A single $2,000 scholarship marked the beginning of the Show's multi-million dollar educational program in 1957, 25 years after the organization was founded. In 2016, the Show has committed to awarding more than 750 college scholarships, supporting 60-plus educational programs, granting numerous graduate assistantships, and making sizable awards to junior livestock show exhibitors and calf scramble participants.

The Show's 2016 educational commitment of $25,858,260 is comprised of the following:

The Show offers more than 750 scholarships through 14 different scholarship program types that allow students to pursue majors in any field of study. Graduate assistantships are awarded at 11 different universities and colleges in Texas.

Houston Livestock Show™ junior exhibitors must be between the ages of 9 and 18, Texas residents, and members of a Texas 4-H Club or FFA Chapter. These young participants are awarded in the form of premiums for each competition.

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 Show's mission. Grant recipients must benefit youth, support education, expand agricultural horizons, or preserve and honor pioneer heritage and cultures.

New educational program grant recipients for 2016 include the Association for the Advancement of Mexican Americans; ESCAPE Family Resource Center; Girl Scouts of San Jacinto; Miracle Farm; Neighborhood Centers; SIRE Therapeutic Horsemanship; Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation; To Educate All Children — TEACH; and Writers in the Schools.

The Show will continue to support the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation; Breakthrough Houston; Children's Museum of Houston; Crime Stoppers of Houston; Houston Area Women's Center; Medilife Houston; NASA – Texas Aerospace Scholars; and Small Steps Nurturing Center.

For more information about the scholarships and educational programs supported by the Show, visit rodeohouston.com/AboutUs/EducationalSupport.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a Section 501(c)(3) charity that benefits youth, supports education, and facilitates better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentation. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and connect with RodeoHouston^® online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all of the latest news. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Heritage Partners are NRG, Ford, Miller Lite, Coca-Cola and Mattress Firm. The 2016 Show is scheduled to run March 1 – 20.

SOURCE Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo

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