The American Royal reaches over 104,000 people each year, including over 18,000 students through programs and outreach, provides over 100 scholarships for academic excellence and achievements and hosts more than 2,900 contestants in nationally recognized competitive events. Programs such as School Tours, AgSTEM Explorer, and the Neighborhood Schools Partnership introduce agriculture concepts including nutrition, food sources and animal health to children from across the metropolitan area.
Collectively, the American Royal oversees $400,000 in scholarship funds and contributes to agriculture education, events and engagement; including the Royal and Veterinary Scholars programs. The Royal Scholars are a select group of college students that are pursuing careers in agriculture. The Royal Scholars program is designed to provide an opportunity for these outstanding college students to advocate the food and fiber industry and develop leadership skills. The Veterinary Scholars program, in partnership with the University of Missouri-Columbia and Kansas State University, provides not only scholarship funds but practical experience opportunities through the Livestock and Equine shows.
Each season, the American Royal offers unique opportunities for competitive learning to both youth and adults. These opportunities build character, strength, and skills through competition inside the show ring. Exhibitors and competitors as young as 9 years old come to the Royal each fall to show off their market livestock, equestrian skills, and even barbecue talent at the Kids Que.