Chicago Urban League Teams Up With United Airlines to Fly Local High School Students to China

CHICAGO, June 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chicago Urban League in conjunction with the China-United States Exchange Foundation and United Airlines will lead Chicago high school students on an educational, cultural and social journey-of-a-lifetime through China.

More than 20 Chicago students will spend two weeks of their summer vacation, June 22 – July 6, taking in the sights, sounds and cultural offerings of Beijing, Shanghai and other Chinese cities. Hailing from more than 15 Chicago public and charter schools, students were selected for the trip following a rigorous application and nomination process.

"This trip gives our students an opportunity to discover their potential and gain invaluable leadership skills, greater global awareness and interpersonal perspective that comes with traveling abroad," said Andrea L. Zopp, president and CEO of the Chicago Urban League.

"At United, we know how valuable travel is and how life-changing it can be," said Brett Hart, executive vice president and general counsel for United and a member of the Chicago Urban League's board of directors. "We're honored to partner with the Chicago Urban League and to help offer these students a memorable experience abroad."

To help prepare for the trip, the students participated in several workshops focused on various aspects of Chinese culture, including language, philosophy, history, and economic and social development. Media are invited to attend the students' final workshop at the Chicago Urban League – 4510 S. Michigan Avenue – and send-off celebration at United's Terminal in Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

About the Chicago Urban League

Established in 1916, the Chicago Urban League works for economic, educational and social progress for African Americans and promotes strong sustainable communities through progressive advocacy, collaboration and innovation. For more information, visit www.thechicagourbanleague.org.

About United

United Airlines and United Express operate an average of 5,446 flights a day to more than 370 airports across six continents. In 2012, United and United Express carried more passenger traffic than any other airline in the world and operated nearly two million flights carrying 140 million customers. United is investing in upgrading its onboard products and now offers more flat-bed seats in its premium cabins and more extra-legroom economy-class seating than any airline in North America. In 2013, United became the first U.S.-based international carrier to offer satellite-based Wi-Fi on long-haul overseas routes. The airline also features DIRECTV® on 200 aircraft, offering customers more live television access than any other airline in the world. United operates nearly 700 mainline aircraft and has made large-scale investments in its fleet. In 2013, United will continue to modernize its fleet by taking delivery of more than two dozen new Boeing aircraft. The company expanded its industry-leading global route network in 2012, launching nine new international and 18 new domestic routes. Business Traveler magazine awarded United Best Airline for North American Travel for 2012, and readers of Global Traveler magazine have voted United's MileagePlus program the best frequent flyer program for nine consecutive years. United is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 194 countries via 27 member airlines. More than 85,000 United employees reside in every U.S. state and in countries around the world. For more information, visit united.com or follow United on Twitter and Facebook. The common stock of United's parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the NYSE under the symbol UAL.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130404/MM89155LOGO)

SOURCE United Airlines

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