Since its establishment in 1992, the Big Tex® Scholarship Program has continued to uphold the State Fair’s nonprofit mission of supporting agriculture, education, and community involvement. The organization announced another year of supporting Texas students through scholarships towards furthering their education, with the State Fair of Texas awarding more than $1.3 million in new college scholarships this year.
This included 220 scholarships to deserving students across the Lone Star State: 96 Juanita Craft Scholarships to Dallas ISD students, 115 Youth Livestock Scholarships to students throughout Texas, seven Seasonal Employee Scholarships, one Benny Clark Memorial Scholarship, and one Peggy Sloan Memorial Scholarship.
In its 33-year history, the Big Tex Scholarship Program has awarded scholarships to more than 3,700 students for a program total of more than $20.1 million. Honoring the legacy of South Dallas resident and civil rights activist Juanita Craft, each year, the State Fair awards college scholarships to selected applicants from six Dallas ISD high schools surrounding the Fair Park area – Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, Franklin D. Roosevelt High School of Innovation, James Madison, Lincoln High School and Humanities/Communications Magnet, North Dallas, and Woodrow Wilson high schools. In addition, the State Fair awards scholarships to select applicants across the state who have participated in youth livestock competitions at the State Fair of Texas. The Seasonal Employee Scholarship serves as a thank you to the Fair’s seasonal employees for their hard work and dedication to the State Fair of Texas – both qualified seasonal employees and their dependents are eligible for this opportunity.
In its 33-year history, the Big Tex Scholarship Program has awarded scholarships to more than 3,700 students for a program total of more than $20.1 million.
“Being named a 2025 Big Tex Scholar is truly an honor that fills me with deep appreciation. This incredible opportunity will be instrumental in easing the financial aspects of my education, allowing me to dedicate myself fully to my studies and future aspirations. Beyond the financial support, the recognition as a Big Tex Scholar carries a significant weight, which I believe will open doors and enhance my professional journey. I am also very grateful for the chance to connect with the network of scholars and alumni. Thank you for this empowering investment in my future; I am committed to making the most of it and contributing meaningfully,” said Sidney Scott, 2025 Big Tex Juanita Craft recipient from Franklin D. Roosevelt High School of Innovation. “I am honored to be a Big Tex Scholar because I have seen so many other recipients be able to achieve their higher education goals with the help of this scholarship. I am proud that I was given the opportunity to show at the biggest and best state fair in the nation! The memories I made while showing at the State Fair of Texas will now carry over and will forever be with me in my quest for my college degree. The State Fair of Texas helped me grow as an individual during my years of showing livestock, and now, the Big Tex Scholarship Program is continuing to help me grow my education and fulfill my dreams of becoming a pharmacist. Thanks, Big Tex!” said Owen Bryant, 2025 Big Tex Youth Livestock recipient.
“This scholarship means the world to me. This will ensure that I will continue my education in order to one day give back to my community and to make my mom and dad proud,” said Jaden Walker, 2025 Big Tex Seasonal Employee recipient, related to a seasonal ticketing Tex-team member. A total of 96 graduating seniors from six Dallas ISD high schools were awarded the Big Tex Juanita Craft Scholarship, including:
Seven recipients were awarded the Big Tex Seasonal Employee Scholarship,including:
| A total of 115 Youth Livestock Scholarships were awarded to graduating seniors from across the Lone Star State, including: |
Recipients receive a $6,000 grant, renewable each semester if the student meets the criteria for renewal. Students must attend an accredited college, university, or trade school within the state of Texas. To qualify for scholarship renewal, recipients must enroll in and pass a minimum of 12 hours each semester. In addition, recipients must achieve a minimum 2.5 GPA in their first semester and a 3.0 cumulative GPA for every semester thereafter.
The State Fair also awards several ancillary scholarships where outstanding students are awarded an additional $6,000 over four years to combine with the initial awarded $6,000 scholarship, for a grand total of $12,000 to put towards higher education.
Receiving this year’s Benny Clark Memorial Scholarship, Layton Shadle embodies the qualities of a strong leader in agriculture education.
Awarded to a strong leader and graduating senior from Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, this year’s recipient of the Peggy Sloan Memorial Scholarship is Nicole Velasquez Hernandez. The Fair congratulated all of these deserving scholars on their personal and academic achievements and is excited to support them in pursuing their aspirations for higher education and the future of Texan youth. Local scholarship recipients and their families will enjoy an awards fair hosted by the State Fair of Texas, celebrating the 2025 Scholars and all their accomplishments.
About the State Fair of Texas Since its inception in 1886, the State Fair of Texas has celebrated all things Texan by promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment. The State Fair of Texas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with proceeds helping to preserve and improve our home, Fair Park; underwrite museums, community initiatives, and scholarship programs to support students throughout the Lone Star State pursuing higher education; and help improve State Fair operations. The 2025 exposition runs September 26 through October 19 in Fair Park. Visit BigTex.com for more information.