More Than a Flight

For LAEF scholars, success isn’t just about reaching a destination. It’s about staying connected to where they come from.

That’s what makes Southwest Airlines such a meaningful partner.

As LAEF’s official airline partner, Southwest has spent years supporting students in a way that goes far beyond travel. Through flight vouchers, scholars are able to return home in moments that matter most, be with family during times of need, and say yes to opportunities like studying abroad or an out of state internship. It’s a simple resource with a powerful impact, helping students stay grounded in familia, even as they pursue their dreams.

For Alejandro Garcia, an LAEF scholar at Front Range Community College, the opportunity came at exactly the right moment as he prepares to transfer to the Colorado School of Mines in the fall. 

Helping Scholars Go Further

Alejandro moved from Guatemala to Colorado with his family just a year and a half ago. Now a sophomore studying electrical engineering, he dreams of one day working for NASA in aerospace and robotics.

“I love circuits and applying math and physics to projects,” Alejandro shared. “I want to specialize in embedded systems and robotics.”

Already, he’s building an impressive path toward that dream. Alejandro recently participated in the NASA Colorado Space Grant Program Robotics Challenge, where his team earned the Outstanding Award for Creative Locomotion Design.

This spring, another opportunity arrived.

As a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, Alejandro was recognized as part of the All-Colorado Academic Team and selected as a Coca-Cola Scholar. The recognition gave him the chance to attend the Catalyst Convention in Baltimore, a national leadership conference focused on student success, leadership, and community.

But getting there wasn’t easy.

“It was a very expensive trip and a last-minute thing,” Alejandro said. “Without LAEF, I wouldn’t have been able to do that.”

That’s when LAEF connected him with Southwest Airlines flight vouchers through LAEF’s partnership.

“It was an amazing experience,” Alejandro shared. “I connected with students from across the country who all shared the desire to impact their communities.”

One lesson especially stayed with him: “Your network is your net worth.”

For Alejandro, the trip represented more than travel. It was a chance to grow his leadership, expand his network, and step into spaces that once felt out of reach.

“Thank you for your support and for believing in students like me who are looking for better opportunities, to connect with more people, expand my knowledge, and network,” he said. “This voucher was very helpful, and I really appreciate it.”

This year, that partnership continued to grow in meaningful ways.

Court of Dreams

Southwest Airlines served as the official airline sponsor of LAEF’s Sueños to Success celebration and will continue its commitment as LAEF’s nonprofit partner in 2026.

In March, that partnership took center court.

LAEF scholars, alumni, staff, and board members were invited by Southwest to an unforgettable “Court of Dreams” experience hosted by the Denver Nuggets, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the energy, discipline, and preparation behind the game.

Scholars stepped onto the court, met Rocky the mascot, participated in some basketball drills, and heard directly from insiders about what it takes to stay sharp at the highest level. One lucky LAEF scholar even received a signed basketball from Nuggets star Nikola Jokić.

It was a night of joy, connection, and recognition, a reminder that LAEF scholars belong in every room, on every stage.

Then during a game in March, Southwest Airlines presented LAEF with a $20,000 check.

But the impact of this partnership can’t be measured in dollars alone.

It lives in the moments when a student can get on a plane to be with their family. In the opportunities that expand their world. In the reassurance that they are supported not just as students, but as whole people.

As Southwest celebrates 20 years of impact in Denver and LAEF marks 76 years of serving Colorado students, this partnership reflects a shared commitment: opening doors and making sure students don’t have to walk through them alone.