OREANDA-NEWS. June 24, 2015. 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, June 20 through July 4, 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."

"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.

Before the students departed on June 20, 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.

United proudly supports hundreds of organizations across the country that provide opportunities for youth, connect communities with arts and culture, work to improve lives through health and education, and improve the environment. United's 14,400 Chicago-based employees offer their time, talents and energy to make an impact in their communities. United continues to connect Chicago to the world, but just as importantly, United partners with more than 40 local organizations to address needs and issues in order to improve lives and to promote change for the better within the city.