EPHRATA - Ephrata High school students were shown exciting career alternatives Friday.

Big Bend Community College's aviation department teamed with Gear Up, a federally funded grant program whose goal is to interest students in post high school education.

The aviation department brought instructors and students from the fixed-wing piloting and maintenance programs and the helicopter piloting program.

EHS GEAR UP Director Amy Grizzel said the program shows students options after high school that hopefully inspire them to achieve in a career they enjoy. She said the greatest thing is seeing a 'yes' moment in students, when they think, 'I can see myself here!'

Although aviation plays a large role in the history of the Basin, it is not a go-to career choice for students in the area, EHS GEAR UP instructor Jeff Allsopp said.

"Our kids are farm and ag-minded," he said.

During the presentations and talks with aviation department, students and presenters alike had a glint in their eye, imagining a career of flying.

The high school students said, "It looks like a video game!"

The flight students said, "It's a kid's dream!"

Numbers were also discussed. Time to license? Two years. Days in program before flying? One day. Top speed of BBCC's four-seater 1,400-pound helicopter? One hundred fifty miles per hour. Average beginning salary? Sixty to $70,000. Price of the two-year program? Just shy of $100,000.

Grizzel said GEAR UP also helps students fill out applications and financial aid forms.