The WRCA Foundation’s scholarship program grew out of a simple idea: supporting the future of the working ranch cowboy means investing in the next generation.
In March of 1995, that group gathered in Amarillo, Texas, and determined that a ranch rodeo would be the best way to raise funds for their cause. One year later, the first World Championship Ranch Rodeo was held, marking the beginning of what would become a lasting legacy of support for ranching families across the country.
By 1998, the WRCA Foundation awarded its first four scholarships to qualified applicants. Since then, the program has continued to grow—supporting students from ranching backgrounds as they pursue higher education while remaining connected to the values and work ethic of the ranching lifestyle.
In 2025, the WRCA Foundation reached a milestone, awarding 81 scholarships totaling approximately $127,000 for the 2025-2026 academic year—the highest number of scholarships in its history.