Dude Ranch Foundation and Durango® Boots Announce 2024 Cowgirl Scholarship Winner
In celebration of the enduring legacy of the American cowgirl, the Dude Ranch Foundation is proud to partner with Durango® Boots to present a $30,000 scholarship aimed at supporting young women pursuing degrees in the Western industry. This prestigious scholarship is announced annually on September 15th in honor of the National Day of the Cowgirl. Today, we are thrilled to announce Katelyn Collins as the 2024 scholarship recipient.
Applications for the 2025 scholarship will open from September 15 through December 31, 2024. For more details or to apply, visit nationaldayofthecowgirl.com.
Katelyn Collins accepts the $30,000 National Day of the Cowgirl scholarship from Durango® Boots.
Katelyn Collins: A Rising Star in the Western Industry
Katelyn Collins, an undergraduate student at Texas Tech University majoring in equine science, exemplifies the dedication and passion this scholarship is designed to honor. In addition to her academic pursuits, Katelyn is a member of the Texas Tech rodeo team and has recently been crowned the 2024 Miss Rodeo Texas Teen.
“When I first attended horse camp, I discovered my love for the equine industry, riding, and barrel racing,” shared Collins. “If you’re a cowgirl like me, I highly encourage you to apply for the National Day of the Cowgirl Scholarship and explore the opportunities it could offer.”
Empowering the Next Generation of Cowgirls
The National Day of the Cowgirl scholarship is awarded to one outstanding female student in her first year of college, committed to furthering the Western way of life. The $30,000 award is distributed over three years of continued education, supporting students in fields such as agriculture, equine science, ranching, or Western sports.
“Katelyn’s hard work and perseverance reflect the spirit we aim to celebrate,” said Erin DeLong, marketing manager at Durango® Boots. “We are excited to recognize her achievements and hope she inspires even more young women to apply for next year’s scholarship.”
For more on Katelyn Collins’ story and the National Day of the Cowgirl scholarship, visit Durango Boots Blog.
About the Dude Ranch Foundation
The Dude Ranch Foundation’s mission is to preserve the history and expand the knowledge of America’s dude ranching industry through its Western Museum, educational programs, and workforce development initiatives. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to conserving land, supporting research, and providing educational opportunities within the Western industry.
About Durango®
Founded in 1966, Durango® Boots manufactures and markets quality-crafted western and fashion footwear for men, women, and children. It is a division of Rocky Brands™, a publicly traded company on NASDAQ® under the symbol RCKY. For more information, visit www.durangoboots.com.
About the Dude Ranch Foundation
The Mission and Purpose of the Dude Ranch Foundation is to preserve the history and expand the knowledge of America’s dude ranching industry through the Foundation’s Heritage Museum, research archives, educational programs, conservation, and workforce development. The Dude Ranch Foundation is a duly incorporated nonprofit corporation under the Internal Revenue Service code 501(c)(3).