Southwest Airlines is a proud community partner and one that for over 10 years has been honored to work with and help make a difference in the lives of children who are in foster care as a result of abuse or neglect. As the Official Airline of Promises2Kids, their year-round support plays a critical part in the success of Promises2Kids’ Guardian Scholars program, assisting current and former foster youth in reaching their educational and career goals. We invite you to get to know their community impact and how they are creating a brighter future for foster children in San Diego.
Promises2Kids shares Southwest Airlines’ commitment to the community, diversity, and workforce development. Their partnership reflects these areas, but with a unique, local perspective.
When it comes to their dedication to Promises2Kids’ mission, the sky is the limit! From college and career tours to opportunities for foster youth to fly home, they have risen to the occasion in every instance.
Each year, Southwest Airlines provides a scholarship to a former foster youth, providing an opportunity to receive mentoring, case management, career coaching, and receive financial support while working towards their degree.
They also host a unique behind-the-scenes career tour at the airport, introducing Guardian Scholars to careers in aviation, from customer facing positions to marketing, operations, baggage distribution, and the “Mission Control Center” where crews communicate with pilots, ground crews, and more.
The world of options beyond San Diego feels unattainable to foster youth without traditional support networks. Fortunately, this partnership helps them bridge the gap to their educational goals, and ultimately, to independent careers.
Air travel is a rare experience for foster youth, and for most, their first time on an airplane. This past year alone, Southwest Airlines provided round-trip airfare for over 30 foster youth to tour colleges in Northern California, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities on the East Coast. Youth connected to their cultural history and visited campuses where they can earn their education and connect with their peers who identify in the same way. They returned with confidence and excitement about potentially attending one of the colleges, which gave a brand-new sense of possibility for the future. One student shared, “I feel like nothing can stop me. This has given me hope and motivation to thrive.” Many students who are now choosing this route will be the first in their families to attend college.
Furthermore, the Summer Career Enrichment Program trip to San Francisco exposed youth to professions in key industries. Exploring the STEM field in California, students toured the headquarters of Apple, Google, Meta, YouTube, and more.
These experiences would not have been possible without Southwest Airlines’ support.
Additionally, Southwest Airlines is once again the Reception Sponsor for Promises2Kids’ Dream On Concert Gala presented by Kevin and Raegan Prior, taking place on September 9th.
Promises2Kids is dedicated to creating a brighter future for foster children in San Diego. From the moment they come into foster care and through to adulthood, Promises2Kids provides the hope, support, and opportunities they need to change their lives for the better. Programs include Camp Connect, Guardian Scholars, Foster Funds, and the A.B. and Jessie Polinsky Children’s Center.
As a privately funded organization, they rely on corporate partnerships, events, and individual donations to sustain the services provided, with 80 cents of every dollar going to direct services.
