Ready for takeoff: Collin College dual credit student selected to the Naval Air Forces Private Pilot Scholarship Program

From dual credit college courses to basketball practice and Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) drills, Collin College and Allen High School student Taylor Carroll has become an expert in time management at 17. She took those skills to a new level as she conquered a new challenge last summer – the Naval Air Forces Private Pilot Scholarship Program.

Selected from more than 300 applicants from all Navy and Marine Corps JROTC programs nationwide, Carroll filled one of only 26 spots to participate in the program. The eight-week program allows high school students to obtain a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) private pilot certificate while earning college credit. The scholarship covers costs for all transportation, housing, and food, as well as the $25,000 course.

“At first, I really wasn’t even sure about applying. I knew it was a competitive and intense program,” Carroll said. “But getting selected was such a huge deal for me. I was so eager to learn and wear my first flight uniform. Looking back, there were some really hard days, but the experience was worth it.”

Carroll was one of three students from Allen High School named recipients of the scholarship. She said it’s a rare occurrence to see multiple students from the same school earn spots in the highly sought-after program.

“My instructors really pushed me to be my best. Flying on my own was of course terrifying at first, but the views were beautiful,” Carroll said. “Every single day I was working on something new and learning a new lesson to make sure I was equipped with all the knowledge and practice to earn my certificate.”

As a Collin College dual credit student, Carroll felt more prepared than ever to head to college in North Carolina where she was fully immersed into an active Marine Corps base while completing her orders for the scholarship program. 

“Being in the associate degree program at Collin while in high school has taught me to be more responsible with my time and test my determination,” Carroll said. “It’s also been the reason for improving my communication skills and giving me the confidence to apply to something like this in the first place. It has pushed me to get involved in so much, too.”

The dual credit program at Collin College is an opportunity for students in public, private, and charter high schools and home schools to simultaneously earn college and high school credit.

“We love to see success stories from students like Taylor,” Raul Martinez, Collin College associate vice president of P-12 partnerships, said. “She’s truly an example of a dedicated and hardworking student. This speaks volumes to the level of preparedness our dual credit students can achieve and the amazing opportunities they so richly deserve.”

The Naval Air Forces Private Pilot Scholarship Program allows students to earn up to six college credit hours through the certification process. Carroll said she’s confident her time with Collin set her up for the life-changing opportunity.

“I think having that background has allowed me to gain so many life skills,” she said. “I’m very thankful and excited for what’s to come!”

Carroll was able to earn her flight certificate in the condensed eight-week time frame and said this is only the start of her future in military service — a decision made at an early age.

“I grew up in a very patriotic family. My dad was in the Army, and my grandpa was in the Air Force. Being around them made me realize how much my country has done for me,” Carroll said. “And right now, I’m just trying to give back to my community. But one day, I’ll give back to my country.”

Carroll is well on her way to making her dreams a reality. With her FAA private pilot certificate in hand and earning both her associate degree and high school diploma, she hopes to soon become a military commissioned officer after applying to the Naval or Air Force Academy.

“This opportunity has opened so many doors for me,” Carroll said. “I just keep telling myself to keep going after my goals and to keep pushing.”

To learn more about Collin College’s dual credit classes visit www.collin.edu/express/dualcredit.