ADAMS TWP — Mars High School students who dream of soaring to new heights after graduation now have an opportunity to do just that.

The Mars School Board on Tuesday night approved a partnership between the district and the Community College of Beaver County Aviation Academy.

That allows the academy to offer students in 10th through 12th grades the opportunity to take two college courses at the academy in the courses of professional pilot, unmanned aerial vehicles, air traffic control, and aerospace management, said Principal Todd Kolson.

He said the courses will be at the Beaver County Airport in Chippewa Township in the afternoon, and parents would be responsible for all costs.

At $150 per credit, the seven credits required to complete the two college courses would cost almost $800, Kolson said. But taking the courses in high school would save families 33 percent when their students move on to a post-high school aviation program, he said.

“It would take a unique individual who has aspirations to get into the aviation field,” Kolson said. “It would jump-start their careers if they so choose in high school.”

Students, who would be recommended for the program by the high school guidance counselors, must have at least a 2.5 QPA and have good discipline and attendance records.

“Our guidance counselors have already been talking to some kids about a partnership with the aviation academy,” Kolson said.

He said Col. Bill Pinter, director of aviation at CCBC, will give a presentation at the high school to students in grades nine through 11 regarding the courses.

The program will begin in the 2016-17 school year.

There is no minimum number of students who must attend for the partnership to occur, Kolson said.

“I think it’s exciting,” said school board President Dayle Ferguson.

Pinter said this morning that the Seneca Valley School District is the only other district in Butler County that has a partnership with the academy. He said 63 students from 20 school districts now take classes at the airport.

Pinter added that he also has entered into partnerships with 35 school districts in Allegheny County. Those students will begin classes next year at a facility in Robinson Township.

Students in all four subject areas would have the opportunity to work on their pilot’s certification while studying at the academy in their junior year, Pinter said.

He said the license is required in the four subject areas for students who pursue them after graduation from high school.