Scholarships
The Reno Rodeo Foundation Scholarship Program supports students pursuing higher education, trade certifications, and career training programs — helping create pathways to independence, stability, and long-term success.
By investing in education, the program provides meaningful support to students across Northern Nevada who are working toward building their future.
Scholarships are available to students pursuing traditional college degrees, trade certifications, and other career-focused training programs. This flexibility ensures that support aligns with each student’s goals and the path they have chosen for their future.
The program recognizes that success looks different for every student and is designed to support a range of educational and career outcomes.
How to Apply
Scholarship applications for 2026 are now closed and are currently under review by the Reno Rodeo Foundation Scholarship Committee. All applicants will be notified of their status by April 30, 2026, via email and/or mail.
The Reno Rodeo Foundation uses AwardSpring to manage its scholarship applications.
AwardSpring provides a secure, streamlined process for students to apply, submit required materials, and track their application status. The platform allows the Scholarship Committee to review applications thoroughly and ensure that awards are distributed thoughtfully and fairly.
When applications are open, students can access the application directly through this platform and complete all required steps online.
Funding
The Reno Rodeo Foundation Scholarship Program is supported through a combination of community contributions, dedicated funding sources, and donor-driven initiatives.
Donor-Funded Scholarships
In addition to Foundation-funded awards, the Reno Rodeo Foundation administers donor-funded scholarships, providing individuals and organizations with a meaningful way to directly support local students.
Every dollar contributed to a donor-funded scholarship goes directly to the student or students selected, ensuring maximum impact and investment in their education.
Those interested in establishing a scholarship through the Reno Rodeo Foundation are encouraged to contact the Foundation office for more information.
Rodeo State License Plate
The Rodeo State charitable license plate provides an important source of funding for the Reno Rodeo Foundation’s scholarship program, with proceeds shared with the Nevada State High School Rodeo Association.
By choosing the Rodeo State plate when registering or renewing a vehicle in Nevada, supporters help fund scholarships for students across Northern Nevada — creating opportunities for education, career training, and long-term success.
Whether you’re registering a new truck, car or trailer or renewing your current registration – ask for a Rodeo License Plate!
Impact
Since 1986, the Reno Rodeo Foundation has invested in the future of students across Northern Nevada through its scholarship program. These numbers represent more than financial support—they reflect opportunity, progress, and the ability for students to move forward with confidence and purpose.
Support Provided Since 2016
$1.1M
awarded in scholarships
$3,600
average scholarship per student
367
scholarships awarded
Support Provided in 2025
$150,000
awarded in scholarships
$6,250
average scholarship per student
24
scholarships awarded
Numbers reported as of July 2025
How To Support
Community support makes it possible to continue investing in students across Northern Nevada. Contributions help expand the program, increase award amounts, and reach more students each year.