Purdue Global and Questar III BOCES have formed a partnership to bring hands-on aviation education to high school students through a program aimed at putting them on a path to flight training and careers in aviation.
Questar III is a Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) agency that provides instructional and support services to 22 public school districts in New York’s Rensselaer, Columbia, and Greene counties. Questar’s aviation program includes classroom curriculum and flight training to 11th and 12th grade students.
Purdue Global is Purdue University’s online program for working adults who are seeking flexible paths to a range of university degrees.
The aviation program has partnered with authorized flight schools in the Albany, New York, area where students can begin their flight training. While enrolled, they can work toward earning their private pilot certificate and instrument rating. The program reduces training costs and gives students the advantage of experience when they graduate.
The program is offered at no cost to families and is one of only a few available to high school students across New York state. Nearby Purdue Global alliance partner Hewison Aviation will provide opportunities for students to continue their education after high school.
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Through the partnership, Questar graduates who are admitted and pursue a Purdue Global degree in professional flight or aviation management will receive eight college transfer credits for earning their private pilot certificate. Students who earn instrument ratings will receive an additional 15.5 transfer credits when they enroll.
Students who continue flight training while enrolled with Purdue Global will have the opportunity to receive up to 45 additional transfer credits with the completion of the FAA certificates and ratings, including private, instrument, commercial, multiengine, and CFI.
“We are thrilled to partner with Purdue Global on this initiative,” said Questar III BOCES district superintendent Gladys 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 in West Lafayette, Indiana. It combines the quality of the university’s well-known aviation program with Purdue Global’s flexibility and affordability.
“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.
