The Establishment of a Duel Enrollment High School Aviation Program
One of the latest advances in education is a dual enrollment program, which are classes taught in a high school sponsored by a college or university. Upon completion the student receives high school along with college credit for satisfactory completed work. Dual enrollment will start students on a path for college which many young students feel an impossible feat as they fear college work and the financial condition of their family.
Five years ago, I was hired by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) to start a dual enrollment aviation STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program called Boynton Aerospace Science Academy (BASA). This program was started at Boynton Beach Community High School in Boynton Beach, Florida. The high school serves a population of low socioeconomic income students including 37% of the students which are English Language Learners (ELL). In addition, the school historically has been a low performing school with gang activities. One of the goals of BASA is to attract higher performing students that will challenge other students to become successful. Year one started with one class of 24 students composed of 9th through 12th grade students that were academically motivated to be successful and receive college credit. This set the stage for continued growth at a slow but comfortable rate. (Sommers, 2011)
Problems that had to be overcome to attract new students have been: false reputation of the school having gang activity and transportation problems. In addition 8th grade students lack information concerning their high school education mainly as they do not understand dual enrollment. Reaching the parent’s of the 8th grade students still remains a major obstacle despite attempts to plan new activities to educate them about BASA.
Today, 5 years later there are 131 students in the aviation program. Year one of the program we discovered the students had not achieved reading and study habits that would lead to success in a college atmosphere, therefore, students were taught how to read for content and outline their work. To remain in the aviation program a student must maintain a “B” average in their aviation courses and a 2.5 grade point average in all their academic work. Goals of the program and the expectations of the students are set at a very high level requiring the students to reach for success. Students and their parent(s) enter into a contract with BASA which states expectation and responsibilities of each student and parent.
Each year the BASA program reflects on our objectives and evaluates the goals in order to improve areas of performance that need change. An example of this change occurred two years ago with our dress code requirements in order to be a part of a maintenance program. This program allows for students to earn an Airframe Certificate that gives them 30 university credits. As part of this agreement students are required to be dressed in a maintenance uniform. This has lead to all BASA students being required to wear a uniform.
BASA has lead the charge on the academic side for Boynton Beach Community High School too. For example, we noticed many of our students were struggling with organization in their writing and course work. As a result, 4 years ago we implemented a note taking process that is a requirement for all BASA classes. On a side note, the entire high school is now required to follow an outlining format similar to what BASA implemented over 4 years ago. Last year the high school achieved a grade from the Florida Department of Education of a “B” while previously we were a “D” graded school.
This year BASA student are taking between 1 to 5 aviation classes per semester. Today, a student can take aviation dual enrollment classes and earn up to 77 college credits in the BASA program at no expense to the student or their parent. Enrollment costs for Embry-Riddle are paid for by the Palm Beach County District Schools (PBCDS). BASA is offering 36 different aviation classes this year taught by five different ERAU professors. Each professor has in excess of fifteen years of experience in the aviation field with multiple FAA certifications and university degrees. Strong staff members that provide guidance and are role models for high school students is a priority in today’s environment. The key to success in this environment is to continue to challenge these high school students and treat them as college students.
Flying is a life changing activity to these young adults. The experience of flying in a small single engine airplane and taking the controls, making turns, climbs and descents has taught these students that they can do activities they never thought were possible. It teaches them that they can be successful at whatever goal is put before them. This flying experience has proved this time after time with BASA students. A light bulb has gone on and the student now has a goal and they become a better student and goals are established.
The students of BASA, PBCSD, and ERAU need to thank Lantana Airport Fixed Base Operator (FBO) owner, Owen B. Gassaway, Senior and his wife Alice for having a dream of an aviation program in a high school in Palm Beach County, Florida. Mr. Gassaway’s community involvement with the principal of the local high school and the PBCSD Board and school superintendent were instrumental with the development of the BASA program. (Perry, 2011)
PBCSD approached ERAU’s School of Aviation for their support in establishing an aviation program in a high school in the PBCSD. ERAU had experience in establishing stem high school programs. A contract was developed by ERAU that establishes the courses to be taught, growth of the program, and budgetary obligations that would be paid by PBCSD to ERAU. ERAU would be responsible for the staffing with PBCSD approval, establishment of classes and program monitoring and review. PBCSD would provide space in a high school, market the program, provide ongoing support for the program and commit to a five year growth contract for the program. Both the PBCSD and ERAU followed through with their commitments for this program and their support has lead to this program becoming a model for all ERAU stem programs in the United States. The growth and future of this program warrant watching and will be exciting for high school age young adult students and as the demand for adult aviation programs develops BASA is planning to be there and answer this demand.
Even though Owen B. Gassaway, Senior and his wife are now deceased, the seed money, continued support and airplanes provided by the Gassaway family have greatly contributed to the success of this program. Other community supporters are; EAA Chapter 203 donated a plane along with sponsoring Young Eagle flights. Last year on a Saturday 112 young adults were flown. Gulfstream/General Dynamics Corporation donated hundreds of hands on parts for the students and was instrumental in the pursuit of our Part 147 Certificate. United Parcel Service and Sikorsky have donated employee time to have students visit their facilities which was a tremendous student learning experience. Aviation business, local foundations and private pilots are to be thanked for their monetary donations and the donations of airplanes for flight training and airplanes for maintenance experiences. Community support continues to grow as more individuals learn of our program.
BASA is growing and has become a valuable training center for the local aviation community and the world. The first graduating class that started with 24 students in all grade levels and 15 freshman students had 14 graduates last year. 8 were accepted to ERAU, 4 were accepted to other colleges and universities, and 2 entered the armed services with contracts to continue their college education-- 100% success with our first freshman high school class.
References
Perry, K. (2011, October 20). Retired Principal, Boynton Beach Community High School. (P. Hershorin, Interviewer)
Sommers, C. (2011, October 15). Assistant Principle, Boyton Beach Community High School. (P. Hershorin, Interviewer)
By Paul A. Hershorin—EAA 553816 AOPA 01012227
Visit: www.basaprogram.com