The Pike County Board of Education made a historic partnership with Enterprise State Community College on Monday, March 22nd that will offer Business and Finance Academy students the opportunity to graduate high school with an associate degree in business administration.

Dr. Mark Bazzell, superintendent of education, called the partnership a wonderful opportunity for the students of Pike County.

"To graduate from high school with an associate degree is a great opportunity, and I'm excited that we are able to offer this to our students," he said.

The associate degree will be offered through a combination of dual enrollment, articulated credits and on-line courses.

Students will be enrolled in both high school and junior college courses as well as the courses at the Business and Finance Academy at Pike County High School. They will also take four on-line courses.

Dr. Nancy Chandler, ESCC president, said the partnership with Pike County Schools will be the most comprehensive program the college offers.

"This is a win-win partnership," she said. "To leave high school with an associate degree is an opportunity that few students have. We are honored to be a part of it."

Bazzell said the county school board is working toward another partnership with ESCC to establish an associate degree in aviation maintenance technology. The first of two courses is planned for the fall of 2010 and the second in the spring 2011. Future plans would include offering the basic five courses and moving forward to offer the nine courses required for an associate degree.