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.
100+ scholarships awarded annually
More than $6,800,000 awarded in scholarships since 1983
NWSS scholars are from 14 US states + 2 countries
Apply for our Scholarships
Program Eligibility
- Recipients must major in: Agricultural Science, Rural Medicine, or Veterinary Medicine.
- Recipients must maintain a minimum of 2.0 semester GPA, and a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
- Participation in the National Western during the annual January Show is required.
What type of participation is accepted?
- Livestock showing and/or judging
- NWSS internship program
- NWSS volunteer program
- Westernaires
- Sanctioned 4-H/FFA projects
- Please note: this does not include participation in shows held at the National Western at times other than the actual January Stock Show dates for each specific year.
If you have eligibility questions, please reach out to the Scholarship Department.
Partner Schools and Degree Programs
Colorado State University
Undergraduate in Agricultural Science
Masters in Agricultural Science
Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science (Emphasis in Large Animal Practice)
University of Colorado, School of Medicine
Medical Degree in Rural Practice
Pharmaceutical Degree in Rural Practice
Physician’s Assistant in Rural Practice
Physical Therapist in Rural Practice
University of Wyoming
Undergraduate in Agricultural Science
Masters in Agricultural Science
Aims Community College
Undergraduate in Agricultural Science
Rural Nursing Program
Casper College
Undergraduate in Agricultural Science
Colorado Northwestern Community College
Rural Nursing Program
Eastern Wyoming College
Undergraduate in Agricultural Science
Laramie County Community College
Undergraduate in Agricultural Science
Northeastern Junior College
Undergraduate in Agricultural Science
How to Apply
Applications for National Western Scholarship Funds are handled directly by our partner schools. Please visit one of the following links to the school you plan to attend.
Colorado State University
College of Agricultural Sciences
Contact: CAS Scholarships email for questions or assistance
Apply at School:
https://financialaid.colostate.edu/csu-scholarship-application-csusa/
College of Veterinary Medicine
Contact: Lauren McCracken
Apply at School
https://vetmedbiosci.colostate.edu/scholarships/
University of Colorado, School of Medicine (MD)
School of Medicine Rural Track Program
Scholarship options sent upon acceptance to the Rural Program https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/ruralprogram
Physical Therapy
Scholarship opportunities can be found here: https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/physical-therapy-program/education-programs/doctor-of-physical-therapy/scholarships#ft-current-students-1. PT students apply through the PT Program
School of Pharmacy
Scholarships can be found on this website: https://pharmacy.cuanschutz.edu/academics/pharmd/scholarship-tuition-financial-aid#ac-national-western-scholarship-trust-1
University of Wyoming
College of Agricultural Sciences
Contact: Hunter A. Bruce
https://uwyo.academicworks.com/opportunities?utf8=%E2%9C%93&term=farm+credit
Aims Community College
https://www.aims.edu/student/finaid/scholarships/
Casper College, Ag/Animal Science
Contact: Laurie Johnstone
Scholarship applications open Jan 1 – March 1 for fall scholarships, and then again Oct 1 – Nov 1 for spring. caspercollege.edu/myccs
Colorado Northwestern Community College
Contact: Keely Ellis
Paper applications are available at the school.
Eastern Wyoming
Contact: Georgia Younglove
Apply: EWC – National Western Stock Show Scholarship Application (wy.edu)
Laramie County Community College, Ag/Animal Science
Contact: Katie Shockley
Apply at the school
https://www.lccc.wy.edu/services/financialaid/financialAidSteps.aspx
Northeastern Junior College, Ag/Animal Science
Apply for the ‘Freshman General Scholarship’, which includes the National Western scholarship:
https://www.njc.edu/scholarships
Events Supporting the Scholarship Trust
Auction of Junior Livestock Champions
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.
Boots 'n Business Luncheon
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.
Citizen of the West
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. Anschutz, Fred 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.
Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale
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.
Scholarship Trust Committee
J.J. Ament is the Chairman
Paul Andrews
Maggie Hanna
Jeff Keller
Coleen Orr
Jody Randall
Pat Shaw
Barth Whitham
