Purdue Global partners with Questar III BOCES to propel high school students through flight training and college success
March 25, 2024
CASTLETON, N.Y., and WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University’s Office of Industry Partnerships is bringing experiential learning to high school students through a new partnership between the Questar III BOCES Aviation program and Purdue Global.
The Questar III BOCES Aviation program provides aviation curriculum in a classroom setting and flight training to 11th and 12th graders who are admitted to their program. Questar III BOCES has partnered with authorized flight schools in the Albany, New York area for students to conduct their flight training. While enrolled, they can work toward obtaining their Private Pilot Certificate and Instrument Rating, all while saving money and graduating a step ahead. The program is offered at no cost to families and is one of only a few offered to high school students across New York state. The nearby Purdue Global alliance partner, Hewison Aviation, will be a great, local opportunity for students to continue their education after high school.
Through this educational alliance agreement, Questar III BOCES graduates who are admitted and pursue a Purdue Global professional flight degree or aviation management degree will receive 8 college transfer credits for having obtained their Private Pilot Certificate. Should the student also obtain the Instrument rating, they’ll receive an additional 15.5 transfer credits upon enrollment.
If students continue their flight training while enrolled with Purdue Global, they will have the opportunity to receive additional credits - totaling up to 45 transfer credits with the completion of the FAA certificates & ratings (Private, Instrument, Commercial, Multiengine and CFI).
“We are thrilled to partner with Purdue Global on this initiative,” said Questar III BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Gladys I. Cruz. “It provides a new pathway for our aviation graduates to continue their education with one of the most mature and prestigious collegiate aviation programs in the country – and accelerate towards their careers as professional pilots.”
Purdue Global’s professional flight degree program is a collaboration between Purdue Global and Purdue University’s School of Aviation and Transportation Technology. It combines the quality of the university’s legendary aviation program with the flexibility and affordability that Purdue Global offers.
“We are pleased to join forces with Questar III BOCES through recognition of prior learning in both the professional flight and aviation management program,” said Sara Sander, Purdue Global vice president, dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and interim dean of the School of Aviation.
About Purdue Global
Purdue Global is Purdue’s online university for working adults who have life experience and often some college credits. It offers flexible paths for students to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree based on their work experience, military service and previous college credits, no matter where they are in their life journey. Purdue Global is a nonprofit, public university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and backed by Purdue University. For more information, visit stories.purdue.edu/purdue-global.
About Questar III Boces
Questar III, a Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), is an educational service agency providing instructional and support services to 22 public school districts in Rensselaer, Columbia and Greene counties. Questar III BOCES offers elementary, secondary and adult students choices and opportunities in education. Whether they are interested in exploring career and technical opportunities, seeking alternatives to the traditional classroom setting, or in need of support of physical, developmental or emotional disabilities, Questar III BOCES offers programs and services designed to help all students succeed.
Writer: Kaitlin McQueen
Media Contacts:
Matthew Oates, oatesw@purdue.edu
Jillian Shuhart, jillian.shuhart@questar.org
Sources:
Sara Sander, vice president, dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Purdue Global
Dr. Gladys I. Cruz, District Superintendent, Questar III BOCES
Andrew Rachmell, director of educational partnerships, Office of Industry Partnerships
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