Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo officials presented 79 students from across Texas with nearly $1.6 million in scholarships during the Area Go Texan Scholarship Banquet.
“These talented students represent the 68 Area Go Texan counties surrounding Houston, and we are extremely proud to support their educational journey as they pursue their dreams at some of the finest colleges and universities across our great state,” said Joel Cowley, rodeo president and CEO.
Meghan Hein of Austin County was among the students receiving an Area Go Texan scholarship. Of the scholarship winners, 36% are first-generation college students, 70% are female and 30% are male. The scholars will be attending 19 different Texas colleges and universities and will major in 39 different fields of study. The top three schools the students will attend are Texas A&M University, The University of Texas at Austin and the University of Texas San Antonio, and the top three chosen majors are biology, nursing and computer science.
The 79 Area Go Texan scholarship recipients received $20,000 to apply toward a four-year, undergraduate degree for a total scholarship commitment of $1.58 million. Students were selected from 68 Area Go Texan counties divided into 11 districts. One student from each county is awarded a scholarship, along with the top student from each district. These scholarships represent a share of the rodeo’s annual commitment to Texas youth and education. In 2019, more than $27 million will be distributed via scholarships, junior show exhibitors, educational program grants and graduate assistantships. Additional information about the rodeo’s educational commitments can be found at rodeohouston.com/Educational-Support/Commitment.