Charleston, NH (Vocus/PRWEB ) April 8, 2010 -- Today, the Student Conservation Association (SCA), a national leader in youth service and stewardship, named Southwest Airlines its "Official Airline."
The partnership between Southwest Airlines and the SCA will advance the Association's mission of "building the next generation of conservation leaders" by expanding green service and job readiness opportunities for high school and college-age individuals nationwide. Additionally, Southwest Employees will join student volunteers at SCA Earth Day service projects across the United States.
"Southwest Airlines is a citizen of this planet and with that citizenship, it is our responsibility to set an example and support Environmental Stewardship now and plant the seed for future generations," said Linda Rutherford, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Communication and Strategic Outreach. "We share the Student Conservation Association's vision of preparing future leaders for the responsibilities of citizenship to their communities and to our planet."
This year marks the 40th annual Earth Day, and Southwest Employees are eager to "get their hands dirty" along with SCA volunteers. "Southwest is known for giving back and doing the right thing, and we LUV to give back with our hearts and our time," says Rutherford.
SCA members annually provide more than two million hours of service to national parks, forests, seashores, cultural sites and urban green spaces in all 50 states. Participants restore habitats, aid endangered species, and perform environmental education and more - in each case, providing services that would not otherwise be accomplished. The majority of SCA members go on to lead green careers and practice lifelong stewardship.
"SCA is pleased to partner with Southwest Airlines, with whom we share many important values including service, diversity and sustainability," says SCA President Dale Penny. "Together, we will connect more young people to nature and conserve the treasures of the American landscape for generations to come."
About Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines' Share the Spirit program embodies the culture of positive impact in the communities it serves - demonstrated through Southwest's charitable giving, Employee volunteerism, and community relations pro¬grams. Southwest Airlines is one of the most honored airlines in the world, consistently appearing on the FORTUNE Magazine's "Most Admired Companies" list. After 38 years of service, Southwest Airlines, the nation's leading low-fare carrier, continues to stand above other airlines - offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) currently serves 68 cities in 35 states. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,300 flights a day and has more than 35,000 Employees systemwide who work hard each and every day to provide excellent Customer service and make a difference in the community. To learn more about Southwest's community involvement, visit www.southwest.com/cares [1].
About SCA
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the only national organization that develops tomorrow's conservation leaders by providing high school and colleege students with conservation service opportunities in all 50 states, from urban communities to national parks and forests. Since 1957, SCA's hands-on practice of conservation service has helped to develop new generations of conservation leaders, inspire lifelong stewardship, and save the planet. SCA is a non-profit headquartered in Charlestown, NH and maintains regional offices in Boise, ID, Oakland, CA, Pittsburgh, PA, Seattle, WA, and Washington, D.C. For more, logon at thesca.org.
Contact:
Deirdre Fitzgerald, SCA
603.504.3263 (office)
Marilee Mcinnis, SWA
(214) 792-4068
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