ATLANTA --- Augusta Technical College was among six schools chosen for a pilot program allowing law enforcement officers to get college credit for their training, state officials announced Tuesday.

The program was unveiled by the Technical College System of Georgia, the Georgia Public Safety Training Center and the state Peace Officers Standards and Training Council.

"This is a win-win-win proposition for the technical colleges, law enforcement and, most of all, the safety of our citizens," Technical College System Commissioner Ron Jackson said in a release announcing the program. "This new plan opens the door for every trainee to utilize their basic training ... toward a two-year degree in criminal justice."

Students can use HOPE and Pell grants to help cover their expenses for the program. It is scheduled to begin in January 2009, the Technical College System said.

Also involved in the program are Coosa Valley Tech, DeKalb Tech, Ogeechee Tech, Savannah Tech and South Georgia Tech.