WHY IT RATES: High school students had the opportunity to apply for one of two scholarships from Southwest Airlines in the spring of 2021 and 17 have just been selected to receive funds towards their college education. Through this and other efforts, Southwest's community outreach program is especially aiming to promote equity and diversity in its talent pipeline. - Laurie Baratti, TravelPulse Associate Writer
Southwest Airlines today announced it awarded a total of $110,000 to 17 students through the Southwest Airlines Scholarship Program. This program continues the carrier's focus on providing more equitable education opportunities to college-bound students while promoting diverse academic pathways, and ultimately inspiring future generations to pursue careers within the airline industry.
"At Southwest, we believe educated communities are empowered communities, and every student should have the opportunity to achieve their academic goals," said Laura Nieto, Southwest Airlines Director of Community Outreach. "We know championing education access for all yields a positive and lasting impact, and we're excited to help the next generation of students soar."
The scholarship program supports Southwest's continued commitment to its Diversity and Inclusion goals aimed at promoting an equitable and inclusive talent pipeline and workforce. Students could apply for one of the two scholarships in the spring of 2021:
-The Hebert D. Kelleher and Rollin W. King Scholarship is an internal scholarship honoring Southwest's Founder and its namesake by providing financial assistance to Southwest Employee dependents.
-The Southwest Airlines Scholarship is a new community-centric scholarship underscoring the airline's commitment to building a diverse talent pipeline, and highlighting the importance of equity and inclusion for future generations.
To read more about the recipients, and the colleges and universities they are attending, visit the Southwest Airlines Community.
Funds awarded through the Southwest Airlines Scholarship Program come from the Southwest Airlines Foundation, a corporate-advised fund at the Silicon Valley Community Foundation.
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