National Western Scholarship Trust

Providing scholarships to students studying Ag since 1983

In 1983 the National Western Scholarship Trust was formed to provide scholarships to students studying agriculture, rural medicine, and veterinary science.  Since then the Scholarship Trust has grown to award 110 scholarships annually, ranging from $2500 to $15,000 per student.

Every year proceeds from four major events are contributed to the Scholarship Trust.  These events are the Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale, the Citizen of the West dinner, the Auction of Junior Livestock Champions and the annual Boots ‘n Business luncheon.  Since its inception, the Trust has awarded over 1800 scholarships and grown to over $10 million dollars.

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Heather Covalt, Scholarship Manager

100+ 
scholarships awarded
annually

More than
$6,800,000 
awarded in scholarships
since 1983

NWSS scholars are from
14 US states
+ 2 countries

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Events Supporting the Scholarship Trust

Auction of Junior Livestock Champions
Auction of Junior Livestock Champions, female steer exhibitor is interview on the auction block by Kathy Sabine of 9News
Of the thousands of junior market animals that compete at the National Western Stock Show each year, only 90 of the very best exhibitors qualify for the exciting Auction of Junior Livestock Champions. The auction is the final marketplace for the ribbon-winning steers, lambs, hogs, and goats that were raised by junior exhibitors, 4-H and FFA youngsters ranging in age from 9 to 18.
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Boots 'n Business Luncheon
Boots and Business luncheon on the floor of the Events Center during the National Western Stock Show
The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and the NWSS team up for a hoof-stomping, whip-cracking good time. This luncheon event caters to the business community and is designed to promote the Stock Show’s importance to our economy and quality of life. The event annually attracts a sell-out crowd of nearly 1000 business people, state and local elected officials, and Chamber leadership. A portion of the proceeds is donated to the NW Scholarship Trust.
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Citizen of the West
2022 Citizen of the West honorees, Ron Williams

Each year a Citizen of the West is selected from community leaders who exemplify the spirit and determination of a western pioneer. These modern-day pioneers are honored for their economic and philanthropic endeavors in the West. Past honorees include Philip F. AnschutzFred Hamilton, Pete Coors, and Sue Anschutz-Rodgers.

The award dinner takes place on the first Monday of Stock Show and is considered one of the most prestigious events in Denver.

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Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale
2020 Coors Western Art, Featured Art piece, Maelstrom by Sophie Brown

One of the finest exhibitions of contemporary realism of the Western United States, the Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale features an eclectic mix of styles and mediums, as well as established artists to unknown talent.

Every January, the National Western Stock Show hosts the Coors Western Art Exhibit. The exhibit is opened with the glamorous Red Carpet Reception.

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