Through this partnership with the Dallas-based Historically Black College and
University, the carrier continues to champion educational
attainment for all
DALLAS, Oct. 25,
2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines
Co. (NYSE: LUV) announces a partnership with Paul Quinn College to become the College's official
airline and a member of the school's celebrated Urban Work College
Program. Southwest Airlines® has long believed educated
communities are empowered communities, and continues to invest in
workforce development programs that introduce students to the
diverse set of career opportunities in the aviation industry.
Paul Quinn is the first Urban Work College and only minority-serving,
federally-recognized work college in America. The program, which
started in 2015, provides students with the opportunity to gain
real world work experience while limiting their reliance on student
loans.
"This is a wonderful moment in the history of the Quinnite
Nation," said Dr. Michael J.
Sorrell, President of Paul
Quinn College. "We are excited for our partnership with
Southwest Airlines that goes far beyond discounted tickets and
feel-good moments. It is substantive and focused. In addition to
supporting the travel needs of our students and staff, our
relationship will result in employment opportunities for our
students, learning opportunities for the two secondary schools on
our campus, and the potential for a very unique academic program.
The Southwest Airlines/Paul Quinn
alliance will be special."
Southwest Airlines, in becoming the official airline of
Paul Quinn College and first airline in
the school's Corporate Work Program, is investing in the school to
promote diverse academic pathways, ultimately inspiring future
generations to pursue careers within aviation. This strategic
partnership comes at a time when there is a heightened imperative
for the airline industry to attract and hire more diverse talent in
their workforce.
The Company is committed to building resilient communities
through partnerships that drive economic, social, and environmental
impact. The partnership between Southwest Airlines and the Paul
Quinn Corporate Work Program will include dedicated, paid
internships specifically for students at the college along with
ongoing educational opportunities. The students selected for a
Southwest internship will have the opportunity to work in vital
areas of the business such as the airline's world-class Network
Operations Control Center that functions as the nerve center of the
airline's daily operations as well as the Finance Department that
oversees budgeting and forecasting for the company.
"We are inspired by the work that is in motion at Paul Quinn's Urban Work College Program, which
aligns with our commitment to developing programs that meet the
needs of our diverse communities," said Laura Nieto, Director of Community Outreach for
Southwest Airlines. "We look forward to providing an educational
experience for Paul Quinn students and
hope they develop a passion and interest in the aviation
industry."
"I am so excited! Transportation is such a big issue for many of
our students – myself included. A partnership like this, that
invests in us and allows us to peek behind the veil of one of the
world's greatest companies is just remarkable," said Ericka
Drinker, student at Paul Quinn College.
Whether in the air or on the ground, Southwest believes
community is more than a place—it is at the Heart of what brings us
together. For more about our community outreach efforts, visit
southwest.com/communityoutreach.
ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world's most
admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and
Hospitality at 121 airports across 11 countries. Having celebrated
its 50th Anniversary in 2021, Southwest took flight in 1971 to
democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air
travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within
the United States than any other
airline1. Based in Dallas and famous for an Employee-first
corporate Culture, Southwest maintains an unprecedented record of
no involuntary furloughs or layoffs in its history. By empowering
its more than 62,0002 People to deliver
unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a
passionate loyalty among as many as 130 million Customers carried a
year. That formula for success brought industry-leading prosperity
and 47 consecutive years3 of profitability for
Southwest Shareholders (NYSE: LUV). Southwest leverages a unique
legacy and mission to serve communities around the world including
harnessing the power of its People and Purpose to put communities
at the Heart of its success. Learn more by visiting
Southwest.com/citizenship. Southwest is also continuing to develop
tangible steps toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050,
including offering Customers an opportunity to help the airline
offset its carbon emissions. To be part of the solution, visit
Southwest.com/wannaoffsetcarbon.
1) U.S. Dept. of Transportation most recent reporting of
domestic originating passengers boarded
2) Fulltime-equivalent active Employees
3) 1973-2019 annual profitability
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SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.