DALLAS, April 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest
Airlines (NYSE: LUV), in conjunction with the Hispanic Association
of Colleges and Universities (HACU), today announced that they are
accepting applications for the 11th annual
"¡Lánzate!/Take Off!" Travel Award program. Online
applications will be accepted through May
15, 2015, at www.hacu.net. The program is geared toward
Hispanic college students with economic need who pursue higher
education at least 200 miles away from home. All applicants
must complete an online application including an essay describing
their inspiration to pursue a college degree.
Educators and education advocates from around the country will
form a diverse judging panel this summer to select the 2015 Travel
Award recipients. To view the criteria for the 2015 award program,
please visit: SWAmedia. Each selected student winner is
eligible for up to four roundtrip tickets for use by the student
and/or a family member traveling to/from the university.
"Over the last 11 years, we have seen more than 700
inspirational students reach their dreams through their pursuit of
higher education," said Christine
Ortega, Southwest Airlines Manager of Community Affairs
& Grassroots. "We are proud and excited to once again
offer this award to encourage the dreams of Hispanic students."
"The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities is proud
of its continued partnership with Southwest Airlines ¡Lánzate!
Travel Award Program," said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. "The compelling essays of
more than 4,500 students received through the years underline the
importance for our students of balancing their education and their
families. Through HACU's partnership with Southwest Airlines, the
cost for these students of traveling back home is eliminated, and
countless families have received a way to stay connected during
their higher education journey."
More than 1,500 roundtrip tickets on Southwest Airlines have
been awarded to students across the nation since the program's
inception in 2005. Learn more at NUTS About Southwest.
ABOUT HACU
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities represents
approximately 450 colleges and universities committed to Hispanic
higher education success in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Latin
America and Spain. HACU is
the only national association representing existing and emerging
Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). Information is available at
www.hacu.net.
ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
In its 44th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV)
continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with
exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 46,000 Employees
to more than 100 million Customers annually. Southwest
operates more than 3,400 flights a day, serving 94 destinations
across the United States and six
additional countries. Southwest service to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, begins in
June 2015; and subject to government
approvals, service to Belize City,
Belize begins in October 2015.
Based on the U.S. Department of Transportation's most recent
data, Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms
of originating domestic passengers boarded. The Company operates
the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world, the majority of
which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi providing gate-to-gate
connectivity while over the United States. That connectivity
enables Customers to use their personal devices to access streaming
music provided by Beats Music or to view video on-demand movies and
television shows, as well as nearly 20 channels of free, live TV
compliments of our valued Partners. Southwest is the only
major U.S. airline to offer bags fly free® (first and second
checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply), and there
are never reservation change fees, although fare differences might
apply. In 2014, the airline proudly unveiled a bold new look:
Heart. The new aircraft livery, airport experience,
and logo, showcase the dedication of Southwest Employees to connect
Customers with what's important in their lives.
From its first flights on June 18,
1971, Southwest Airlines launched an era of unprecedented
affordability in air travel described by the U.S. Department of
Transportation as "The Southwest Effect," a lowering of fares and
increase in passenger traffic whenever the carrier enters new
markets. With 42 consecutive years of profitability,
Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known
for a triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier's
performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the
communities they serve, and an overall commitment to efficiency and
the planet. The 2013 Southwest Airlines One Report™ can be found
at Southwest.com/citizenship.
Book Southwest Airlines' low fares online
at Southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA.
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SOURCE Southwest Airlines