DALLAS, April 1, 2015 — Southwest Airlines, 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.
