Southwest Airlines® believes educated communities are empowered communities, and that every student should have the opportunity to pursue their educational dreams.

The Southwest Airlines Founders Scholarship benefits dependents of Southwest Airlines Employees. This scholarship was created in 1981 to honor the founders of Southwest Airlines, Herb Kelleher and Rollin King. Learn more about their vision and legacy here.

If you are not the dependent of a Southwest Airlines Employee and you are interested in a career in the airline industry, see the Southwest Airlines Community Scholarship.

Award Information:

• Ten (10) scholarships awarded annually. The scholarship award is comprised of up to four annual awards of $5,000, for a total award of up to $20,000.
• The four annual awards may be received over a period of up to five years, allowing for a deferment if needed.
• Recipients must meet certain criteria in order to receive subsequent annual awards (i.e., renewals). This includes maintaining a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 and being enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per semester.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicant must be the dependent of a Southwest Airlines Employee. 
  • Employees are not eligible to apply.
  • Spouses are not eligible to apply.
• At the time applications are due, the Southwest Employee must be active with at least two years of total employment at Southwest (including former periods of employment). The Employee must also be in good standing as defined in section 19.22 in the Guidelines for Employees in order for an award to be offered.
• Applicant must be a graduating high school senior, previous high school graduate (having received a diploma or equivalent), or current college student.
• Applicant must be 24 years old or younger at the time applications are due.
• Applicant must attend or plan to attend an accredited vocational, community/junior college or undergraduate institution in the United States and must be pursuing their first post-secondary degree or certificate for the upcoming academic year.
  • Students pursing their second degree or certificate or a graduate degree are not eligible to apply.
• Applicant must have a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 (unweighted) scale. 
  • Please review this guide for instructions on converting your GPA to a 4.0 scale. GPA should be rounded to two decimal points.
• Applicant must demonstrate a history of community service.
• Students who receive scholarships from any other source(s) which fully cover the cost of tuition and books are not eligible for this award.
• Current recipients of the Southwest Airlines Founders Scholarship who are planning to renew the scholarship for the upcoming 2025-26 academic year must complete several Renewal Tasks through this application. 

What Is Needed for This Application?

• Eligibility questions based on the criteria listed above
• Two (2) essays
• One (1) recommendation 
• Transcript (unofficial transcripts are accepted)
• Education information
• Resume (involvement in activities and service)
• Financial information
• Southwest Airlines Employee information

Language Considerations:

• This application is offered in both English and Spanish.
• To view your application in Spanish, click the "EN" dropdown button in the top right corner of the screen and select "Español".
• You may toggle between English and Spanish while filling out your application.