National Day of the Cowgirl scholarships now open

The National Day of the Cowgirl Scholarship Program, presented by Durango Boots, is a unique opportunity aimed at empowering women who embody the spirit of the American cowgirl.

The program seeks to provide financial support for women pursuing careers within the Western, agriculture, farm and ranch, equine, or Western sports industries, helping them on their educational journey.

The scholarship, managed by the Dude Ranch Foundation in Cody, Wyoming, aligns with the foundation’s mission of preserving the history of dude ranching while promoting workforce development and educational initiatives. As part of this nonprofit’s commitment to the Western industry, the scholarship emphasizes not only financial assistance but also the encouragement of women who are passionate about these industries to succeed in their chosen career paths.

Starting in 2025, the scholarship will be awarded to a female student currently enrolled as a first-year undergraduate. Financial support ranges from $10,000 to $15,000 annually, with the scholarship renewable for up to three years, totaling up to $30,000 for the recipient’s undergraduate career. The funds will be distributed over the 2025-2026 academic year, with the winner being announced in 2025.

Applicants for the scholarship must meet several key requirements. They must be female citizens of the United States or Canada, have ties to the Western industry, and demonstrate a passion for pursuing a career in agriculture, farm and ranch management, equine-related fields, or Western sports. They must be first-year students enrolled full-time at a four-year college or university in the United States or Canada.

In addition to these requirements, applicants are required to submit a complete application by December 31, 2024, including three reference letters and their academic transcript. The references must include one personal, one professional, and one from an instructor, each of which should speak to the applicant’s character, financial need, and potential impact of the scholarship. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required to maintain eligibility for the scholarship, and grades must be submitted after each term to qualify for renewal.

In cases where a recipient’s GPA falls below 3.0 or if their degree program no longer aligns with the Western industry, the scholarship may be revoked. However, recipients can appeal decisions if they face extenuating circumstances.

This scholarship offers a significant financial boost to women committed to making a meaningful impact in the Western industry, supporting their goals and helping them achieve a future career that aligns with their passion.