More Than $1.3 Million Awarded in Big Tex Scholarship Program Awards to 220 Texas Students
By Veronica Delgado | May 8, 2025
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. We are proud to announce 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. We are awarding 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.
“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.
