Increased scholarships offered by Houston Livestock Show

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo officials have announced that the show's four-year college scholarships will increase from $12,000 to $15,000 each. The increase takes effect with the scholarships to be awarded in 2008, and it brings the show's total yearly commitment to the youth of Texas to nearly $16 million.

"Texas students who are about to enter their senior year of high school are getting a great opportunity," said Skip Wagner, president of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. "Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo scholarships always have been highly sought after by the state's best students. We're proud to be able to increase our help for the top Texas students as they and their families deal with the increasing cost of a college education."

In 2008, the show will award 534 $15,000, four-year scholarships to deserving high school seniors to attend a Texas college or university.

In addition to the scholarship increase, the show has committed an additional $500,000 toward Rodeo Institute for Teacher Excellence -- a program that trains teachers with specialized reading and classroom skills in pre-kindergarten classes through third grade. An additional $100,000 will go to wildlife and range management educational programs. Other youth commitments include more than $5 million awarded to livestock show participants through premiums, junior auctions, calf scramble and judging contests.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a 501(c)(3) charity that benefits youth, supports education and facilitates better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentations.