Johnson and Rodeo Houston Celebrate 24 Years of Advocating for Texas Students

by Sumer Loggins | 2023-03-09

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ has invested millions in the education and opportunity for Texan youth since awarding their first scholarship in 1957.

Among Rodeo Houston's support of hundreds of scholarships, grants, and education programs each year is an enduring partnership with Johnson Space Center’s High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS). The NASA-unique program immerses students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) opportunities. Rodeo Houston has been an important funding partner from the beginning.

Since 1999, Rodeo Houston and Texas legislators have provided grants for the Texas Aerospace Scholars, which includes HAS and NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS). The education programs give Texas students access to hands-on experiences that enhance their career paths and ensure a highly skilled workforce and a promising future. HAS offers Texas high school juniors the opportunity to explore the possibilities of a STEM-related major or career. The adventure starts in the fall with an online course and culminates - for students who earn the opportunity - with an on-site summer experience at Johnson.

Thanks to Rodeo Houston, over 14,000 students in over 350 Texan cities have participated in HAS, and many have joined the NASA family as interns or full-time employees.

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The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a Section 501(c)(3) charity that benefits youth, supports education, and facilitates better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentations. — *The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo*™ *is a Section 501(c)(3) charity that benefits youth, supports education, and facilitates better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentations.*

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Christopher Giulietti, Johnson’s Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs specialist, highlights the importance of Johnson's and Rodeo Houston's collaboration. "NASA is very fortunate to have partnerships with the state of Texas and Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™, which enable HAS. Through this incredible partnership, high school juniors across Texas can participate in an online educational experience working on real-world NASA challenges, like getting humans to live and work on the Moon and Mars. Some of these students will get the opportunity to come to Johnson and meet with NASA’s subject matter experts to help with innovative solutions to the challenges of living and working in deep space. HAS aims to inspire the next generation of explorers, and we are fortunate that Rodeo Houston partners with Johnson so that giant leaps always start here, in Texas."

The 1999 season was not only the inaugural year for the HAS program but also a big year for Rodeo Houston. That year, Houston became the home of a new NFL franchise, and Rodeo Houston partnered with Houston NFL Holdings and Harris County to build a new venue for rodeo and football events that would become NRG Stadium.

Astronaut Raj Chari on the big screen at NRG Center in Houston, Texas. Credits: Jessica Cordero/NASA — *Astronaut Raja Chari on the big screen at NRG Center in Houston, Texas. Credits: Jessica Cordero/NASA*

These are just a few of the many ways Johnson and Rodeo Houston have partnered together over the years to better their community. Both organizations have made much progress for the state, nation, and world over the last two decades. Undoubtedly, Rodeo Houston and Johnson will continue to work together for many decades to come.

If you or someone you know is interested in HAS, you can learn more about the program at has.aerospacescholars.org

Connect with NASA at #NASAHAS