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Payments and Cards

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Credit Cards from Chase Launch the Teach the Love Contest to Celebrate and Give Back to U.S. Teachers

Together with Emmy Award Winning Derek Hough, the Teach the Love Contest aims to reward the country’s hardworking teachers and inspire future travel

Nominations will be accepted now through Nov. 9, 2022

WILMINGTON, DE. Oct. 5, 2022 – Today, Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Credit Cards from Chase announces the launch of the Teach the Love Contest, a platform to nominate deserving educators for the chance to embark on a learning-fueled “Edu-Vacation” trip celebrating their teaching specialties or personal interests. Winners will pick from one of five U.S. destinations known for educational experiences, from the coral reefs of Kahului (Maui) to the museums of Washington D.C.*

Nominate a Teacher

Current and former students over the age of 18 and fellow teachers are invited to nominate a standout educator for a chance to win these one-of-a-kind Edu-Vacations. Parents may also nominate a teacher on behalf of their children who are under the age of 18. To submit a teacher for consideration, nominators must complete a submission on chase.com/teachthelove describing how this teacher impacted their life and provide examples of how the teacher went above and beyond in their classroom style, teachings, leadership, and guidance.

Three grand prize winners will be able to choose from five education-inspiring destinations to travel to and have hotels, flights, and experiences for them and a guest, including:

  • Kahului (Maui), Hawaii for marine biology fans
  • Chicago, Ill. for fine arts and architecture lovers
  • Washington, D.C., for American History buffs
  • Palm Springs, Calif. for geology fanatics
  • Nashville, Tenn. for music connoisseurs

Seven runners-up will also be chosen to each receive 30,000 Southwest® Airlines Rapid Rewards® bonus points to use towards their own future Edu-Vacations.*

“Teachers play an influential role in so many lives and now is an important time to celebrate their hard work,” shared Matthew Schlitz, General Manager of Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards from Chase. “Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards reward our customers by providing exclusive benefits that make traveling easier and more enjoyable. We’re excited to pull this sentiment through to the Teach the Love Contest by honoring hard-working teachers with trips to expand their knowledge and inspire their craft.”

“Our Purpose at Southwest is to connect people to what’s important in their lives,” said Jonathan Clarkson, Vice President of Marketing Loyalty & Products at Southwest Airlines. “This partnership brings together our coveted Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card perks and passion for travel in order to celebrate teachers who’ve played important parts in our journeys, especially over the last few years, and take them on a trip they’ll remember fondly forever.” 

Teaming Up With Derek Hough

Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards from Chase has teamed up with Derek Hough, best known for the hit show, Dancing with the Stars, where he has appeared as a judge and instructor.  Hough also portrayed a drama teacher on the Disney+ original, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. Hough has shown support for schools and arts programs and the importance of early education programs and will help spread awareness for the contest and celebrate the winners.

“As someone who is passionate about learning and giving back to others, this campaign means a lot to me,” Hough shared. “Travel has greatly inspired my career and my creativity, and I’m excited to help give deserving teachers the chance to re-ignite their love of learning through travel.”

Nominations will be accepted through Nov. 9, 2022, at 11:59:59 p.m. ET, and nominators are required to be over 18–years-old to enter. For full Contest rules and to nominate a favorite teacher, visit chase.com/teachthelove.

Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card Benefits

New Southwest Rapid Rewards Cardmembers can earn 50,000 Rapid Rewards points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. This offer is available for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus, Premier, and Priority Credit Cards.

In addition to this exciting offer, Cardmembers now have more opportunities to earn towards travel with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card benefits, like 2x points on local transit and commuting purchases, including rideshare; internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming purchases. All points earned with the card count toward the coveted Companion Pass®. Southwest’s Companion Pass is the benefit that allows you to select one person to fly with you for free (not including taxes & fees from $5.60 one-way) every time you purchase or redeem points for a flight.

For more information or to apply for a card, visit www.chase.com/southwest. Applying for a card is not required for Contest entry.

*No purchase necessary.18+ to submit a nomination. 19+ to be nominated. Parents can enter on behalf of their children under 18-years-old. Ends Nov. 9, 2022, at 11:59:59 p.m. EDT. Complete details and official rules at: chase.com/teachthelove. Rapid Rewards points bookings do not include taxes, fees, and other government/airport charges of at least $5.60 per one-way flight. Sponsor: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., 201 N. Walnut Street, Wilmington, Del. 19801. Southwest Airlines Co. is not a sponsor, co-sponsor, or administrator of this Contest.

About Chase

Chase is the U.S. consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM), a leading financial services firm based in the United States with assets of $3.8 trillion and operations worldwide. Chase serves more than 66 million American households and 5 million small businesses with a broad range of financial services, including personal banking, credit cards, mortgages, auto financing, investment advice, small business loans and payment processing. Customers can choose how and where they want to bank: More than 4,700 branches in 48 states and the District of Columbia, 16,000 ATMs, mobile, online and by phone. For more information, go to chase.com.

About Southwest Airlines Co.

Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world’s most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 121 airports across 11 countries. Having celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2021, Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline1. Based in Dallas and famous for an Employee-first corporate Culture, Southwest maintains an unprecedented record of no involuntary furloughs or layoffs in its history. By empowering its more than 62,0002 People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among as many as 130 million Customers carried a year. That formula for success brought industry-leading prosperity and 47 consecutive years3of profitability for Southwest Shareholders (NYSE: LUV). Southwest leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world including harnessing the power of its People and Purpose to put communities at the Heart of its success. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship. Southwest is also continuing to develop tangible steps toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, including offering Customers an opportunity to help the airline offset its carbon emissions. To be part of the solution, visit Southwest.com/wannaoffsetcarbon.

1. U.S. Dept. of Transportation most recent reporting of domestic originating passengers boarded  
2.  Fulltime-equivalent active Employees   
3. 1973-2019 annual profitability  

Contacts:
Chase Card Services
Elizabeth Janis
elizabeth.janis@chase.com