Southwest Airlines announces student flights winners

Southwest Airlines has announced the winners in its new initiative to offer free travel to Hispanic college students in tough circumstances.

The winners will receive free airline tickets for travel on Southwest Airlines during the 2005-06 academic year.

Southwest Airlines set up the initiative to make it easier for Hispanic students in difficult socio-economic conditions to travel away from home to get a good higher education.

Over 40 Hispanic students will receive free airline tickets, hailing mostly from Texas and California. They are in attendance across a wide range of universities, from Ivy Leagues to state colleges; majors include Political Science and Film as well as Chemical Engineering.

Commenting on the awards, Christine Ortega, Southwest Airlines' Hispanic community affairs manager, said the airline hoped the initiative would encourage students to "complete their college journey".

"Achieving a higher education and keeping close family ties makes a big difference to Hispanic students. Southwest Airlines saw the opportunity to make an impact with those students and their families through this program," she said.

© Adfero Ltd