HOUSTON -- The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's educational programs are a major part of the show's mission. College is only a dream for many students and the HLS&R has made it possible for high school students to continue their education through scholarships, KPRC Local 2 reported Monday.

Currently, more than 1,900 students are on scholarships from the show.

Many people only think high school students who raise grand champion animals are the winners of scholarships. But there are a lot more.

Binh Vu is a junior at the University of Houston.

"My parents are just amazed and can't believe it, either," he said.

An immigrant from Vietnam, he won a college scholarship from the Houston rodeo.

"We immigrated to America from Vietnam from 1994, so that should be 15 or 16 years (ago). It was a good opportunity to immigrate over here because over in Vietnam, we can't get an education. So, it was a blessing to come over here to get a good education," he said.

The Klein Forest High School graduate is studying biology with hopes of becoming a doctor. He chose the University of Houston because it was close to the Medical Center.

"There is a lot of opportunity to do research near the medical center," Vu said.

A high school counselor told him about the rodeo scholarships, so he applied.

"They judge it based on academic achievement, leadership, community work and economic disadvantage," he said.

Vu's essay on how community volunteer work helped shape his character sealed the scholarship for him. Vu plans on continuing his volunteer work.

"The rodeo has helped me and so I am dedicated to giving back when I reach my goal of becoming a doctor," he said.

All the students who win rodeo scholarships must attend a Texas college or university. They can pick any major as long as it leads up to a bachelor's degree.