General Purpose Statement

The goal of the National Day of the Cowgirl Scholarship Program is to empower and support women who embody the spirit of the American cowgirl – a spirit embodied by women who are strong, confident, resilient, and who aspire to contribute to the western way of life through the passionate pursuit of a career within the western, agriculture, farm and ranch, equine, or western sports industries. The goal is to support these women by providing financial assistance towards their current schooling, which will lead to a career to benefit them and the western industry.

The National Day of the Cowgirl Scholarship is executed through 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).

Timing

The 2023 National Day of the Cowgirl Scholarship presented by Durango® Boots will be awarded to one female candidate and will initially be funded within the 2024-25 educational year. Funds will be distributed over the course of her remaining undergraduate college career, up to $30,000. The chosen candidate will be announced in 2024.

Financial Award

Awards are for up to $10,000 annually and are renewable for up to three years of undergraduate study.