Representatives from LeTourneau University, Collin College and the McKinney Independent School District gathered at McKinney National Airport Monday to formalize a new three-way partnership that opens the door for more opportunities for dual credit courses for students at MISD.

“This is going to open more opportunities for our kids to take more dual credit courses,” said Tamy Smalskas, MISD Senior Director of College and Career Readiness, in a news release. “Through this partnership, they can take dual credit core content area courses through Collin College and earn an associate’s degree, and all of those courses are transferrable to a bachelor’s degree in aviation at LeTourneau. Basically, LeTourneau and Collin College are partnering on their courses for our students, and we’re partnering with LeTourneau in the aviation field.”

The district’s aviation program has grown from roughly 40 students in 2011 to 200 in 2013. Since then, the number of students interested in aviation has remained strong.

The presence of an FAA approved flight simulator, on which students can log a portion of their flight training hours, helps save students and parents money and, access has always been one of the primary goals for Smalskas.

The partnership with LeTourneau and Collin College provides another opportunity by creating a pathway for students to complete a four year college degree two years earlier than the traditional route.

“The whole objective of engaging in this partnership is to ensure that students can earn their college degree with half the financial investment in half the time, yet still receive a world-class education as a professional aviator,” said Philip Coyle, LeTourneau University Provost and Executive Vice-President, in a news release “This can all be done through this three way partnership.”