Texas HBCU Partners With Southwest Airlines For Travel, Educational, And Career Opportunities
Southwest Airlines has announced a partnership with Paul Quinn College to become a member of the school’s celebrated Urban Work College Program.
Paul Quinn College is the first minority-serving work college in America. The College proudly educates students of all races and socio-economic classes. Besides investing in the future of their students, the establishment is on a mission to provide quality, faith-based education to students to promote academic, social, and Christian development.
The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in many employees canceling their internships or making them virtual, reducing access to employment training for many students. Black and brown students bore the brunt of this fall in opportunities, making programs like Paul Quinn’s especially relevant.
The Urban Work College Program
The Urban Work College Program, launched in 2015, allows students to access real-world work experience. By opening them up to a wide range of career possibilities, the students will become exposed to a diverse range of academic pathways.
“This is a wonderful moment in the history of the Quinnite Nation,” said Dr. Michael J. Sorrell, President of Paul Quinn College. “We are excited for our partnership with Southwest Airlines that goes far beyond discounted tickets and feel-good moments. It is substantive and focused.”
“In addition to supporting the travel needs of our students and staff, our relationship will result in employment opportunities for our students, learning opportunities for the two secondary schools on our campus, and the potential for a very unique academic program. The Southwest Airlines/Paul Quinn alliance will be special.”
The partnership between Paul Quinn Corporate Work Program and Southwest Airlines will include paid internships for students at the College and ongoing educational opportunities. In addition, selected students will have the chance to work in the airline’s world-class Network Operations Control Center and the Finance Department, overseeing budgeting and forecasting for the company.
