March 17, 2010 - Southwest Airlines, in conjunction with the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), announced the opening of "Dandole Alas a Tu Exito Giving Flight to Your Success," its annual education travel award program.

Online applications will be accepted through April 30, 2010, at www.hacu.net. A panel of judges comprised of college professors and education advocates from coast to coast will gather this summer to select students who will receive free travel to their colleges and universities.

Each student is eligible to receive between one and four tickets for use by the student or immediate family to travel to/from a college or university. The tickets are awarded to undergraduate and graduate Hispanic students with socio-economic needs who journey away from home to pursue higher education.

"The Lanzate/Take Off travel award provides travel to students who, for example, might not get to go home during Christmas break. It can also give parents an opportunity to see their kids through their proudest moments, like moving into a dorm or graduation day," said Christine Ortega, Southwest Airlines Community Affairs & Grassroots Manager. "This contact removes barriers and gives each student more confidence to pursue the dream of higher education without worrying about economic hardships."

HACU, which has its national headquarters in San Antonio, Texas, represents approximately 450 colleges and universities, including Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), which collectively serve more than two-thirds of all Hispanic higher education students in the United States and Puerto Rico. HACU's international membership includes leading higher education institutions in Latin America and Europe.