United Airlines and Chicago Urban League Fly Students to China

United Airlines and the Chicago Urban League, along with the China-United States Exchange Foundation, is leading Chicago high school students on an educational, cultural and social trip through China.

More than 20 Chicago students are spending two weeks of their summer vacation, 20 June through 4 July 2015, taking in the sights, sounds and cultures of Beijing, Shanghai and other Chinese cities.

Students from more than 18 Chicago public and charter schools completed a rigorous application and nomination process in order to be selected for the trip.

“As a global airline, we connect people with places and experiences every day, but as Chicago’s hometown airline, it is especially meaningful to connect this group of amazing students with this once-in-a-lifetime trip,” 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 to improve the lives of young people in our community.”

Before the students departed on 20 June, they participated in two different travel lessons with United including an orientation with flight attendants at the airline’s headquarters in downtown Chicago and a tour and simulation at O’Hare airport. Students also participated in several academic workshops focused on various aspects of Chinese culture including language, philosophy, history, and economic and social development.

“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 interim president and CEO of the Chicago Urban League, Shari E. Runner.