Did you know that Hispanic enrollment in higher education is expected to exceed 4.18 million students by 2026, surpassing the growth rate of any other racial-ethnic group by over 10 percent? Experts on Hispanic college students believe educational attainment levels would continue to improve if students had the economic resources to travel to and from colleges suited to meet their needs. Because travel back home is often a financial barrier to achieving educational goals for Latino students, Southwest Airlines and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) are proudly supporting Hispanic college student success while keeping the students connected to family through our signature "Lanzate! / Take Off!" education travel award program.
Through this national education initiative, Southwest awards roundtrip travel to currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students across the country who travel away from home to pursue higher education. We’re proud to help college students stay connected to their families while achieving their academic goals. Since 2004, Southwest has helped more than 1,500 students soar by awarding roundtrip tickets through this travel grant program and we’re excited to support 185 students for the 2022-2023 school year!
HACU, founded in 1986, represents more than 500 colleges and universities in the United States, Latin America, Spain, and school districts throughout the U.S. It is the only national association representing existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). As longtime supporters of the Hispanic community, we know the impact family ties can have on the success of a student’s educational journey and beyond. Without the opportunity of the "Lanzate! / Take Off!" education travel award program, many may find it difficult to complete their college education.
“Many students have shared with us their personal stories and the economic barriers they face trying to visit their loved ones back home while in college,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. “We are truly proud of the impact the Southwest Airlines travel awards program has had on Hispanic students across the nation. HACU congratulates the recipients and wishes them success.”
The "Lanzate! / Take Off!" program demonstrates Southwest’s commitment to champion educational attainment for all because we believe educated communities are empowered communities. us to connect college students to their families during the school-year!
Whether in the air or on the ground, Southwest believes community is more than a place—it’s at the Heart of what brings us together.
For more information on HACU and the "Lanzate! / Take Off!" education travel award program, visit https://www.hacu.net/hacu/Lanzate.asp