United Airlines Scholarship Fund Awards More Than $1 Million To Employees And Their Families

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Jun 18, 2013, 11:30 ET

CHICAGO, June 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- United today announced that it awarded more than $1 million in college scholarships through the United Airlines Scholarship Fund (USF) to 681 employees and their children for the 2013-14 academic year. The scholarship program is funded entirely by employee contributions and fundraising efforts.

"The United Airlines Scholarship Fund is a great example of the generous spirit of United co-workers," said Donna Towle, United's vice president of employee relations. "Co-workers and their families are so appreciative and tell us how valuable these scholarships are to their families."

The scholarship recipients study at colleges and universities in the U.S. and across the globe, with a majority of scholarships going to students attending school where United hubs are located and where many employees live and work, including Illinois, Texas, California, Colorado, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Virginia. Scholarship applicants hailed from international locations ranging from Palau to Tokyo and from St. Thomas to Vancouver. Recipients were selected based on a combination of academic record, work experience and community and school involvement. The students also represent a variety of majors. Scholarships range from $1,000 to $3,000, and more than half of the scholarships were awarded to repeat recipients.

Since 2002, the USF has awarded 2,161 scholarships worth more than $7 million. The fund is a private, non-profit corporation dedicated to supporting the educational development of United co-workers and their dependents.

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. According to the 4^th annual Switchfly Reward Seat Availability Survey published by IdeaWorksCompany in May 2013, United has the most saver-style award-seat availability among the largest U.S. global airlines. 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.

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SOURCE United Airlines