Dude Ranch Foundation and Durango® Boots Announce 2026 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 supporting young women pursuing careers in the Western industry. This prestigious scholarship is awarded annually in honor of the National Day of the Cowgirl. Today, we are thrilled to announce Presley Cooper as the 2026 scholarship recipient.
Presley Cooper, recipient of the 2026 National Day of the Cowgirl Scholarship. Photo courtesy of Averi Ramos Photography.
Presley Cooper: Protecting the Future of Agriculture
Presley Cooper is an undergraduate student at CSU Fresno pursuing a degree in Agricultural Business with a minor in Water Studies. She plans to continue her education by earning a law degree and specializing in Agricultural Law. Her passion for water and land rights is rooted in her desire to protect agricultural communities and defend the future of farmers and ranchers.
Presley’s connection to Western culture began early. She joined 4-H at age five, showed livestock, held leadership positions, rode horses throughout her childhood, and entered her first rodeo at age 11. In high school, she continued her involvement through FFA and High School Rodeo while strengthening her leadership and public speaking skills.
“I am so honored to join the amazing group of girls who are continuing these traditions and making an impact in the agricultural communities,” Presley shared. “This scholarship motivates me to keep working hard and to represent the values I believe in.”
Empowering the Next Generation of Cowgirls
Presented by Durango® Boots and the Dude Ranch Foundation, the National Day of the Cowgirl Scholarship supports an outstanding first-year female college student pursuing a career that serves agriculture, farming and ranching, equine, or Western sports communities. The $30,000 award provides financial assistance toward the recipient’s education and preparation for a future career in the Western industry.
“The National Day of the Cowgirl Scholarship was created to celebrate and support young women, like Presley, who are shaping the future and preserving the Western way of life,” said Erin DeLong, marketing manager at Durango® Boots. “We’re proud to recognize the next generation of cowgirls who lead with purpose, strength, and authenticity.”
Presley also offered this encouragement to other young women growing up in the Western way of life:
“To all the young cowgirls out there, don’t be afraid to get involved and try something new. The agricultural and Western lifestyles teach you skills that go far beyond any arena or show ring. This lifestyle will build your confidence, teach you responsibility, and definitely shape your character. If you work hard, stay consistent, and surround yourself with people who support your goals, the opportunities will be endless.”
About the Dude Ranch Foundation
The Dude Ranch Foundation preserves the heritage and advances the future of America’s dude ranching industry by funding scholarships for higher education, conducting horse safety programs, stewarding a free Western Museum, and protecting millions of acres of historic ranchlands. The Dude Ranch Foundation is a duly incorporated nonprofit organization under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3).
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.
Media Contact: Emily Snayd, HFS Communications, emily@hfscommunications.com