ATLANTA (AP) — High school students could earn credit toward their diploma while taking some college-level courses under a bill approved by Georgia's Senate.

The bill passed the chamber by a unanimous vote on Tuesday.

The state already has a dual enrollment program that lets students take college-level classes while still in high school. But that program doesn't count the credits toward high school graduation.

Republican state Sen. Lindsey Tippins sponsored the bill. He says the change will lower dropout rates and encourage students interested in certain fields to pursue those classes while still in high school. The program would allow students to participate after completing two years of high school, turning 16 years old and completing specific classes.

Teacher organizations and other education stakeholders backed the bill in legislative hearings.