Empowering Students to Reach New Heights with Southwest Airlines
For the second year in a row, an impactful collaboration with Southwest Airlines will grant 20 Think Together high school juniors with the chance to travel across the U.S. to explore their dream universities.
According to research from Trellis Strategies, campus visits are one of the most important factors influencing a student’s decision to enroll. These visits help students assess whether a school’s environment, values and resources align with their academic and personal goals.
Meet the 2026 Flight to the Future award recipients, who are preparing to take flight:
Issac, Discovery Charter Preparatory School
Dream College(s): University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Boston University, New York University
Career Goals: Lawyer
What does this trip mean to you?
“This trip will be extremely impactful for my future, as it will help me gain insight into daily college life. Going to a different state to study encourages the independence and personal growth I’ve always longed for.”
Alana, Discovery Charter Preparatory School
Dream College(s): University of Chicago, Yale University, University of San Diego
Career Goals: Lawyer
What does this trip mean to you?
“I want to be able to help my community by representing those that do not have access to legal representation. I want to help people at every stage through the legal process. The opportunity to go on this trip will allow me to envision a plan, understand what I must do to get there, and achieve the goals I have set for myself.”
Christian, Discovery Charter Preparatory School
Dream College(s): Columbia University, University of Miami, and Georgia Institute of Technology
Career Goals: Aerospace Engineer
What does this trip mean to you?
“I want to help society by creating advanced, renewable energy solutions that improve farming techniques and better manage different types of weather, including natural disasters. This trip would bring me closer to my goals by giving me new experiences, exploring other educational opportunities, and helping me better understand what I need to do to reach my dream career.”
Miyani, Hemet Unified School District
Dream College(s): Yale University, Harvard University, Princeton University
Career Goals: Community Leader
What does this trip mean to you?
“This trip and the opportunities connected to it will impact my future by expanding my vision of what is possible.”
Marquis, Hemet Unified School District
Dream College(s): New York University, Grand Canyon University, San Marcos University
Career Goals: Nurse
What does this trip mean to you?
“This trip will help me academically, professionally and socially. This trip will allow me to immerse myself in a thriving community where I’ll be able to create more connections.”
Abigaelle, Hemet Unified School District
Dream College(s): MIT, Stanford University, University of California, Berkeley
Career Goals: Mechanical Engineer
What does this trip mean to you?
“This opportunity would allow me to travel across the country and visit colleges without the financial barriers that can get in the way. I would experience college life firsthand, encouraging me to pursue a career in engineering and work harder toward my dream school.”
Michael H., Azusa Unified School District
Dream College(s): Texas Christian University, New York University, Rochester Institute of Technology
Career Goals: Computer Science
What does this trip mean to you?
“This trip will give me a glimpse into my future and what could be possible.”
Kayla, Perris Union High School District
Dream College(s): Ohio State University, Duke University, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Career Goals: Nurse Practitioner
What does this trip mean to you?
“This trip will inspire me to continue following my dreams. I want to learn more about the university and get an idea on what my next steps should be to achieve my goals.”
Michael L., Palm Springs Unified School District
Dream College(s): University of Chicago, University of Alabama, University of Oregon
Career Goals: Real Estate Agent
What does this trip mean to you?
“I want to be able to explore my options and see how lifestyles can differ across the country. I’d also get an idea of what it’s like going to an out-of-state college.”
Maleah, Palm Springs Unified School District
Dream College(s): University of Oregon, University of California, Davis
Career Goals: Veterinary Technician
What does this trip mean to you?
“Going on this Think Together trip means a lot for my future. I’ll get a taste of college life, learn what steps I need to take, and start getting ready to be independent.”
Jayde, Palm Springs Unified School District
Dream College(s): Hawaii Pacific University, California State University, Monterey Bay, Howard University
Career Goals: Marine Biology
What does this trip mean to you?
“Getting this opportunity to visit colleges outside my area and state would help me decide what feels right in terms of campus and environment. Seeing the school in person, experiencing the community, and imagining myself there would guide my decision and motivate me to continue working toward my goals.”
Natania, Math and Science Academy
Dream College(s): Johns Hopkins University, Duke University, Harvard University
Career Goals: Neonatologist
What does this trip mean to you?
“This trip will affect the path of my future because it will allow me to network, better understand the university, and all the things it has to offer. Being able to visit this university will allow me to see if this would be the best fit for me.”
Laura, Math and Science Academy
Dream College(s): Columbia University, Harvard University, Stanford University
Career Goals: Doctor
What does this trip mean to you?
“If I had the opportunity to take this trip, it would allow me to explore the campus and visit places such as libraries, student centers, and residence halls. I’d also be able to interact with students and staff and gain insight on financial aid, school activities, safety, and campus atmosphere.”
Haylee, Math and Science Academy
Dream College(s): MIT, Princeton University, Brown University
Career Goals: Aerospace Engineer
What does this trip mean to you?
“This opportunity would allow me to see the campuses before I apply to determine if it is for me. Visiting these schools without the help of this program is currently unobtainable due to circumstances that caused a financial strain on my family. I am determined to further my education.”
Jesus, PUC Triumph
Dream College(s): Stanford University, University of Notre Dame, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
Career Goals: Undecided
What does this trip mean to you?
“This trip will not only give me the opportunity to get exposure to an out-of-state university but will provide me with the hope that I can achieve what I once thought was impossible. It’ll inspire me to push beyond my limits and believe in my potential for a better future.”
Xavier, Stockton Unified School District
Dream College(s): San José State University, University of California, Los Angeles, California State University, Sacramento
Career Goals: Undecided
What does this trip mean to you?
“This trip will impact my future because it will give me the chance to see a college campus and understand what college life might be like. It will help me imagine myself there one day.”
Adalberto, Stockton Unified School District
Dream College(s): University of California, Los Angeles, University of Southern California, New York University
Career Goals: Undecided
What does this trip mean to you?
“I want to attend a school that is culturally diverse because I believe I would succeed in a place where I feel part of a community and can express myself through my culture.”
Benjamin, Magnolia Public Schools
Dream College(s): University of Miami, University of New England, and Michigan State University
Career Goals: Engineer
What does this trip mean to you?
“I believe that this trip will impact my future by providing a clear understanding of what college life can really be like, helping me plan for the steps I need to take, and motivate me to stay focused on my goals of attending college and building a successful career. I also believe that this will give me a sense of confidence and independence.”
The Flight to the Future award expands access to resources that may otherwise be out of reach for many students. This opportunity has proven transformational, with many 2025 recipients sharing that the trip helped them envision a clearer path for their future. With the support of Southwest Airlines, Think Together offers more than a trip, it offers a journey that helps shape one of the most important decisions in a student’s life.
