Empowering communities
We work with organizations globally, nationally and local to our offices, airports and operations that support our broader DEI aims. We provide partnership and funding to programs designed to amplify the voices of marginalized people including veterans, the LGBTQ+ community and those with disabilities; programs providing small and minority-owned businesses the resources needed to thrive; and programs designed to fight systemic racism.
We have made good prograess against our 3 goals:
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Goal |
Progress |
|---|---|
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1: Support United recruitment and workforce programs |
Key diversity-focused organizations engaged in several United recruitment and development programs. |
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2: Develop a public policy agenda with a DEI focus |
We integrated an engagement program, working with government partners and diversity-focused nonprofits to increase access and inclusion. |
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3. Grow partnerships and engagement |
We donated over $12 million in cash and travel to more than 130 partner nonprofits globally. |
Additional progress toward empowering communities
Inclusion through golf—PGA partnership
HBCU golf coaches cite the lack of access to air travel as among the greatest barriers to developing successful golf programs. Removing barriers for HBCU students to allow them to have the same opportunities given to other collegiate athletes will open doors for countless young Black golfers to achieve their dreams and for HBCU golf programs to develop to their full potential. United is committed to advancing inclusion and racial equity, and that begins with making meaningful mentorship and scholarship investments in the communities we serve.
United Airlines, along with the PGA TOUR, awarded 51 golf teams at HBCUs with more than half a million dollars in grants divided equally among the schools to fund travel for golf tournaments and recruiting efforts.
The donation is part of United and the PGA TOUR’s shared commitment to diversify and grow the sport and to provide resources that allow HBCUs to recruit and compete at the highest levels of collegiate golf. Each school will receive $10,000 in travel credits, enabling more than 250 student athletes, coaches and their equipment to fly United to compete in high-profile tournaments that were previously out of reach.
Partnership with JPMorgan Chase & Visa
During 2020, 2021 and 2022, we jointly funded with JPMC and Visa a program awarding 5x miles for cardmembers who made donations on their UA Mileage PLUS co-brand cards to select nonprofits during Black History Month (February), Pride Month (June) and October in recognition of World Hunger Day. Donations totaled $775,000
Sydney Pride
United Airlines partnered with Virgin Australia to connect US travelers to the world's largest celebration of Pride in Sydney with a special flight staffed entirely by members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, United made a $25,000 donation to the Trevor Project to support their mission of helping LGBTQ+ young people.
Investing in communities
With over 130 partner nonprofits and through employee volunteerism, travel support and philanthropic investment, United has given $12 million in cash and travel to the communities where we live, work and fly.
We’re breaking down barriers and promoting inclusion by championing the work of local, national and global nonprofits that reflect our values, from fighting systemic racism to supporting veterans, the LGBTQ+ community and people with disabilities. For some of the DEI projects we support in our communities see our community pages.
Our DEI commitment moving forward
- Business diversity: Support our Billion Dollar Roundtable goal by investing in the growth of small and diverse-owned businesses in partnership with government and nonprofit organizations
- Workforce development: Continue to build pathways for underrepresented groups to United STEM careers in partnership with educational institutions and nonprofits, with a focus on apprenticeships and skills-based hiring.