Southwest Airlines Co. and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) are partnering for the 20th year to provide tickets to students through the ¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Higher Education Travel Award Program. This year’s recipients were selected from more than 90 institutions across the United States to receive four round trip tickets valid for travel between any Southwest Airlines® domestic destination. Since the award program began in 2004, Southwest® has supported students nationwide in studying away from home.
“Twenty years ago, Southwest Airlines identified an opportunity to support students' ability to maintain family ties while studying far away from home,” said Laura Nieto, Managing Director Corporate Responsibility at Southwest Airlines. “Through scholarships, educational awards, STEM-focused learning, and meaningful careers, Southwest is committed to encouraging students as their dreams take flight.”
Southwest is proud of the program and the achievements of its students, including graduations, fruitful careers, and graduate degrees, all while balancing family responsibilities from afar.
“Because of your organization’s work, I’ll see my family in a week,” said Isabella, 2024 ¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Higher Education Travel Award recipient. “I’m so excited to see my little cousins (and how much they’ve grown), my grandparents (hopefully I can convince my grandma to make mole), and of course my mom (in-person this time). Without this award, I would have to wait until Christmas to see my family.”
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities represents more than 500 colleges and universities and offers numerous programs, including internships, scholarships, and professional leadership development opportunities. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship.
About HACU
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, founded in 1986, represents more than 500 colleges and universities in the United States, Latin America, Spain and school districts throughout the U.S. HACU is the only national association representing existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). The Association’s headquarters are in San Antonio, Texas, with offices in Washington, D.C., Sacramento, California, and Chicago, Illinois.
