Press Release

The California Rodeo Salinas awarded $30,000 in educational scholarships last year, and the application period for 2026 funds is currently open. The scholarship program began in 1986 with Hartnell College and recently transitioned to the Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC). Over the past 40 years, more than $234,000 has been awarded to deserving students, with the California Rodeo Salinas proud to invest in the future of motivated scholars within its volunteer community.

Scholarships are available to California Rodeo Salinas Committee Members and their immediate family members. The CFMC Rodeo scholarship committee intends to award six $5,000 scholarships to be used for 2- or 4-year colleges, graduate school, or trade school. “The California Rodeo Salinas is powered by hundreds of dedicated volunteers, and this scholarship program is one meaningful way we can support their families and encourage continued education,” said Kelly McCarthy Sutherland, Chair of the California Rodeo’s Scholarship Committee. “We are proud to help ease the financial burden of education while investing in the next generation of leaders.”

The application period closes on March 16th, and the application can be accessed at https://cfmco.academicworks.com/opportunities/1769. Applicants must create an account by selecting “Sign Up” or “Sign In” to apply, and scholarship recipients will be notified by May 1, 2026. More information about the California Rodeo’s scholarship program can be found here: https://www.carodeo.com/p/about-us/community/scholarships

Donations to the Community Foundation scholarship fund are welcome and not limited to cash; they may include stock, IRA QCD distributions, and real estate, among others. Visit https://www.cfmco.org/give-now/?fund=12144 to donate.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA RODEO SALINAS

The 116th California Rodeo Salinas will take place July 16-19, 2026. As a not-for-profit organization, the California Rodeo Association is dedicated to preserving the traditions of the California Rodeo Salinas and the Western way of life while fostering community involvement and cultural heritage. The Association supports local nonprofits and community groups through its annual Rodeo and year-round operations at the Salinas Sports Complex. In 2025, these efforts generated over $856,000 for local organizations.

For more information, visit www.CARodeo.com or contact the Rodeo Office at (831) 775-3100.