A nationally known airline company is ready to let Coweta's students earn its wings.

Central Education Center director Mark Whitlock said that AirTran approached the school recently about forming a partnership with the new school.

Whitlock jumped at the proposition and this week 91 students showed up at Newnan High School to listen to AirTran's proposal.

“I really don't think they expected that many to show up,” he said. This fall, students will be able to take some high school classes, along with technical programs, at the center.

When the center is fully operational, a student will be able to graduate from the high school program at the center and move immediately into technical college programs the next year at the same facility.

The county's three public high schools will feed students into the center, which also will offer continuing education programs, along with an evening high school.

The company will allow students to enter into its training program this summer at its College Park campus. This fall, when Central opens, students will be able to enroll in Carroll Tech's customer service program at the campus.

“This is the type of partnership we were looking for,” said Whitlock.

Students who want to enroll in the unique program must be 17, have recommendations from teachers and not have excessive absences from school, he said.

In return, AirTran will pay students between $8.50 and $8.85 an hour and give them full benefits including medical and dental insurance and flying privileges.

The airline is hoping the students will be inspired by the program and eventually make it through a four year training period into a supervisory position.

Students who are graduating this term also are eligible for the program and Whitlock said the airline is encouraging the students to further their educations.

“If they're going to school in the fall, AirTran said they're welcome to come back and work during holidays or in the summer,” said Whitlock.

Whitlock is hopeful that many more businesses will partner with the new school.

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