Helping UH Students Harness Their Future

In a bid to support generations of young Texans in achieving their academic dreams, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) has been quietly delivering on its promise of making the college dream possible. The rodeo has dedicated over $600 million towards supporting Texas education, with nearly 20,000 rodeo scholarships valued at $275 million helping students pursue higher education.

One of the beneficiaries of the HLSR scholarship program, Samiha Zaman, a senior at the University of Houston, shared, "Without the financial support, I would have been working a job to support my family instead of spending my time learning and enjoying my college experience." Zaman highlighted how the scholarship allowed her to explore various student organizations and community projects, shaping her academic path towards a future career in social entrepreneurship or community work.

Junior Alisha Khan expressed how the HLSR scholarship not only provided financial aid but also created a supportive community, stating, "These events have opened doors to a more accepting and supportive community." The scholarship program facilitated networking opportunities and projects that solidified Khan's aspiration to become a physician with a focus on cardiovascular research.

Senior Ethan Collins emphasized the impact of the HLSR community on his professional growth, mentioning, "HLSR alumni are all over Texas and in almost any industry. They have always been eager to help me find success in all aspects of life’s journey." Collins, a mechanical engineering student at UH, has actively engaged in various academic and student life activities, inspired by the ethic of giving back instilled by the scholarship program.

Junior Maya Flores highlighted how the HLSR scholarship not only provided financial support but also access to mental health, academic, and counseling services, enabling her to focus on her academics and future career pursuits. Flores, a double major in psychology and American Sign Language interpretation at UH, plans to continue her academic journey in social work and ASL interpretation after graduation, reflecting the community-oriented values of the HLSR program.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo scholarship program continues to empower students at the University of Houston and beyond, offering not just financial assistance but a supportive community that nurtures academic and personal growth, ultimately helping students like Zaman, Khan, Collins, and Flores harness their futures.