CHICAGO, April 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines and the James R. Jordan Foundation are sending four straight-A Chicago-area students and their families on the trip of a lifetime Sunday morning as part of United Airlines' "Family Dream Vacation Program."

The hard-working students from Chicago's West Haven and Englewood neighborhoods have earned an all-expense-paid trip to Disney World by meeting the rigorous requirements of the James R. Jordan Foundation's A-Team Scholar Program and maintaining straight-A's in all four core subjects throughout the entire school year.

"The determination and focus of these straight-A students are remarkable. Through partnerships with organizations like the James R. Jordan Foundation and others, together we're able to help inspire the next generation of leaders," said Mark Anderson, United's senior vice president of government and community affairs. "At United, we know the importance of connecting people all over the world to fulfill their dreams."

On Sunday, April 13, the students and families will arrive by limousine at O'Hare International Airport for their first-class treatment, which includes expedited check in at the Global Services lobby. With support from the James R. Jordan Foundation, United Airlines and the United Airlines Foundation, families will enjoy a three-night stay at a Walt Disney World Resort and passes to the theme park. The families will return from their dream vacation on Wednesday, April 16.

The James R. Jordan Foundation is guided by the belief that a strong family plays a major role in a child's academic success.

"Education is a way out of poverty," said Mrs. Deloris Jordan, president and founder of the James R. Jordan Foundation. "If a child has a good education and determination, there isn't a glass ceiling that can stop them. They can and will find a way. The James R. Jordan Foundation is deeply grateful for partners like United, which continue to make our mission possible by their generous support."  

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.

About United
United Airlines and United Express operate an average of more than 5,300 flights a day to more than 360 airports across six continents. In 2013, United and United Express carried more passenger traffic than any other airline in the world and operated nearly two million flights carrying 139 million customers. United is delivering a more flyer-friendly experience, offering more premium-cabin flat-bed seats and extra-legroom, economy-class seating than any airline in North America. In 2013, United became the first U.S. global carrier to offer satellite-based Wi-Fi, including on long-haul overseas routes. The airline also features DIRECTV® on more than 200 aircraft, with more live television access than any airline in the world. United operates nearly 700 mainline aircraft and, in 2014, will take delivery of 35 new Boeing aircraft and welcome 28 new E175 aircraft to United Express. Business Traveler magazine awarded United Best Airline for North American Travel for 2013, and readers of Global Traveler magazine have voted United's MileagePlus program the Best Frequent-Flyer program for 10 consecutive years. Air Transport World named United the Eco-Aviation Airline of the Year Gold Winner in 2013. United is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 195 countries via 26 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.

About the James R. Jordan Foundation
The James R. Jordan Foundation is dedicated to strengthening families, motivating youth and ensuring high quality academic opportunities for children in underserved communities. The James R. Jordan Foundation Vision for Families – our series of family programs – is guided by the belief that a strong family plays a major role in a child's academic success, and that education provides a path out of poverty.

About the A-Team Scholars Program
The goal of A-Team Scholars is to increase educational opportunities for students in underserved communities.  The program opens doors to higher education by investing in students who consider college to be out of reach. The students are bright and eager to learn;   A-Team Scholars inspires them to succeed in school by leveling the academic playing field.  Students in grades 4-12 are awarded scholarship money based on scholastic achievement, character and integrity. They receive $50 for every "A" and $25 for every "B" earned per quarter in Reading, Math, Writing and Science.  Thanks to our partnership with the Illinois State Treasurer's Office, the scholarships are invested in Bright Directions 529 College savings plans, and are available to the students upon enrollment in a higher educational or vocational program.

For more information please visit www.jamesjordanfoundation.com. Or follow us on Twitter or Facebook.

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SOURCE United Airlines