Think Together Students are Soaring Toward Success
We’re clear for takeoff! In partnership with Southwest Airlines, Think Together high school juniors now have the chance to soar to new heights with the Flight to the Future award. Thanks to this new partnership, 12 students will receive full funding from Southwest Airlines to fly to any college in the U.S., making their higher education dreams a reality.
By providing students the opportunity to experience a college campus tour, Think Together and Southwest Airlines can bring clarity and confidence to students as they plan their next step. For some, especially those who are the first in their families to pursue higher education, these visits can be especially meaningful.
In 2024, Think Together served 8,499 high school students, with 95% of them sharing that they feel confident that college is an option. To build on this growing confidence, college visits offer students a valuable chance to see if their dream school feels like the right fit.
Meet the 2025 Flight to the Future award recipients who are getting ready for takeoff:
Antonio, Azusa Unified School District
Dream College(s): University of Texas, UC Berkeley, Cornell University
Career Goals: Civil Engineer
What does this trip mean to you?
“I want to design structures that not only help communities thrive but also protect the environment. I believe the experiences I’ve gained through Think Together, along with the opportunity to visit new places and meet new people, will help me get closer to that goal. The program has helped me gain the confidence and motivation I need to keep pushing forward.”
Ricardo, Hemet Unified School District
Dream College(s): Columbia University, New York University
Career Goals: Senior Scientist, Biotech Manager, Professor
What does this trip mean to you?
“By visiting Columbia University, Think Together will grant me the only chance I have to explore my life outside of California. I would see what life would be like in a big city, permitting me to see the diversity of the journeys I could take to fulfill my ideals.”
Ethan, Hemet Unified School District
Dream College(s): Wartburg College, SUNY Westchester Community College, Illinois Central College
Career Goals: Social Ecology
What does this trip mean to you?
“This trip would open my eyes since I’ve never been too far out of California or experienced a college tour. I would be given a firsthand view of the college I want to go to as well as a chance to see what my future could look like.”
Diego, Discovery Prep
Dream College(s): New York University, University of Washington, Duke University
Career Goals: American History Teacher, Marketing
What does this trip mean to you?
“I’d love to see the historic areas with museums and a business-centric city. I’d be able to see all the things a business needs to do such as the advertisements which are prominent in marketing.”
Ciara, Rialto Unified School District
Dream College(s): Loma Linda University, New York University, Stanford University, University of Oregon
Career Goals: Health Education
What does this trip mean to you?
“My time at Loma Linda University will equip me with the knowledge, skills, and compassion needed to excel in my field.”
Angelina, Alliance College-Ready Public Schools
Dream College(s): University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Spelman College
Career Goals: Marine Biologist
What does this trip mean to you?
“This trip will be a life-changing opportunity for me. It will give me a glimpse of what’s possible, allow me to connect with professionals in my field, and motivate me to keep pushing forward.”
Yvan, Azusa Unified School District
Dream College(s): University of California, Irvine, Stanford University, University of California, Los Angeles
Career Goals: Optometrist
What does this trip mean to you?
“I plan to go to renowned colleges, such as UCI, UCLA, and Stanford University, known for having a solid pre-med course. I hope to become an optometrist to support those with vision impairment and give them the best treatment possible, so that their futures will be as bright as possible.”
Starr, Alliance College-Ready Public Schools
Dream College(s): University of Alabama, University of Connecticut, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Career Goals: Aviation Pilot
What does this trip mean to you?
“This trip will impact my future greatly as it’ll let me know if going to Embry-Riddle is the right choice compared to other pilot schools I’m looking at and if I see myself there. It will also help me take a step closer to my dream of flying one day in general and along with my friend Skye who’s already learning so we can be the coolest ones in our friend group!”
Yahel, Magnolia Public Schools
Dream College(s): Harvard University, Stanford University, Yale University
Career Goals: Lawyer
What does this trip mean to you?
“This Think Together scholarship is opening doors for me. It allows me to explore schools with strong law programs, such as Harvard, Yale, and Stanford, and work toward my dream of becoming a lawyer.”
Anthony, Discovery Prep
Dream College(s): University of Georgia, Pennsylvania State University, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
Career Goals: Business Owner
What does this trip mean to you?
“This opportunity would aid my future because it would allow me to visit these prestigious schools and see where my hard work can lead me.”
Xitlali, Bassett Unified School District
Dream College(s): Michigan State University, University of Hawai‘i
Career Goals: Elementary Education
What does this trip mean to you?
“This trip will impact my future, as it will give me the opportunity to explore a campus that I don’t have access to. I will be able to envision myself in school while searching for what is right for my personal journey. Lastly, I would also be able to connect with the community to figure out if this is the right school for me.”
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At Think Together, we go above and beyond to ensure our students feel equipped for their futures. With the Workforce Readiness Education Program (WREP), students are given the opportunity to explore their interests and develop life skills, ultimately preparing them for college and careers after high school.
Southwest Airlines joins WREP partners such as Bank of America, State Farm, Union Pacific Foundation and Kaiser Permanente.
The future looks brighter every day for our students thanks to partners like these who believe in our mission.
