Southwest Airlines believes educated communities are empowered communities and that every student should have the opportunity to pursue their educational dreams. We support this vision through two scholarships, the Herbert D. Kelleher and Rollin W. King Scholarship which is available to dependents of Southwest Employees and the Southwest Airlines Scholarship which is a community-centric scholarship available to students across the country. The mission of the Southwest Airlines Scholarship Program is to encourage students to explore careers in the aviation industry and support Southwest’s efforts toward building a diverse talent pipeline.
We are excited to introduce our 2022 Southwest Airlines Scholars! Through these scholarships, Southwest has committed to awarding $260,000 over four years to these 15 recipients. As a fun surprise, each student also received four roundtrip tickets on Southwest to help them stay connected to their families throughout the year.
Herbert D. Kelleher and Rollin W. King Scholarship recipients:
- Erin G., University of Utah
- Madison W., Pennsylvania State University
- TaShia H., Xavier University of Louisiana
- Vanessa N., Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Southwest Airlines Scholarship:
- Aiden C., College of Charleston
- Asher J., Stephen F. Austin State University
- Bailey P., North Carolina State University
- Bryan D., Texas Southern University
- Emily Kate F., Texas A&M University
- Isai V., California Polytechnic State University
- Jonathan R., SUNY Schenectady County Community College
- Lei H., Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Precious A., University of Nebraska at Omaha
- Raef M., UC Berkeley
- William Y., Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Daytona Beach
“As anyone interested in aviation can tell you, flight school is expensive. Add that to the cost of going to college, and the price becomes astronomical. I have been very fortunate to have received this scholarship because it will drastically reduce the financial burden my education would have otherwise put on my family and me. With that weight off my shoulders, I will be able to focus more on getting through flight school and working towards my dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot.”—Asher J., Stephen F. Austin State University
Last month, we had the chance to learn more about our scholars and celebrate their achievements! In addition to their almost-unanimous preference for the window seat, here’s what they had to say:
What’s your advice for future scholarship applicants?
“Tell your dreams to others because there are people who would love to help you achieve a dream that seems out of reach.”—Lei, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
“Do not let the fear of failure deter you from trying.”—Precious, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Where would you like to travel on Southwest?
“Phoenix in order to visit the Grand Canyon.”—William, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Daytona Beach
“Jamaica to explore their culture and beautiful lands.”—TaShia, Xavier University of Louisiana
“The Hawaiian Islands with my family.”—Bryan, Texas Southern University
What are you looking forward to this school year?
“I'm looking forward to working on aircraft and learning more about the history of aviation.”— Lei, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
“Graduation!”—Precious, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Applications are now open for the 2023-2024 Southwest Airlines Scholarship program! If you are a student pursuing higher education, make sure to apply by February 28. Visit swa.is/SAS to view eligibility and application information. to view eligibility and application information.