Western Legacy Foundation continues supporting students pursuing agricultural studies after high school with scholarship opportunities

RAPID CITY, S.D. – Since 1993, the Western Legacy Foundation in Rapid City has helped hundreds of high school seniors with a financial boost to help them pursue agricultural studies after they graduate. Board Member Clay Cross explains more about the foundation and its goal.

What is the goal of the Western Legacy Foundation?

“Our fundraisers that we do throughout the year are to make money for scholarships that we give out. We give out $50,000 a year in scholarships, so it is a great program.”

Every year, the organization selects a group of graduating seniors to award them between $2,000 and $5,000 for university or trade/tech school education as they continue on in agriculture. This year, 16 students total were selected from all across the state, including a student from St. Thomas More High School and Stevens High School in Rapid City. A full list of the students selected can be found here.

Seniors are urged to apply in December and around 14 are selected in January before the Stock Show. Two more are chosen during one of the rodeos taking place during the Stock Show week.

How can I help the organization raise the money for the scholarships?

According to Cross, the organization holds multiple fundraisers throughout the year, including the Back When They Bucked Rodeo in May at the Days of ’76 arena in Deadwood.

“That is our largest fundraiser,” Cross explained. “It is a great event with saddle-bronc riding and ladies breakaway. In July we have a golf tournament, and then November right before the NFR we have an NFR Calcutta.”

To make a donation to the Western Legacy Foundation, check out their website.