Dallas
ROLE
Captain E190
Home Base
Orlando
Degree
Aviation Flight Technology
graduated
2018
Ever since he was a kid, Dallas knew he wanted to be a pilot. After high school, he joined a flight training academy and earned his flight certificates and ratings. He became a flight instructor and started college at the same time he was teaching others to fly.
“A college degree is more than just a piece of paper. It’s a milestone in life.”
“Eventually I ran out of money for tuition. I was hired by a regional airline and moved for that job. I was about to start again, then my wife and I had a couple of kids.”
Dallas started taking college courses again, and was hired by JetBlue soon after. He and his family moved again and college went back on hold.
Dallas recalls when the recession hit in 2010 and both of his parents lost their jobs. They had years of experience, but no degree and Dallas saw their struggle to get a call back from employers.
“So that was a big wakeup call.”
Dallas was in the process of going back to college when JetBlue Scholars came along. He enrolled in the program and started with more than 50 credits previously earned through community college and flight training.
His success coach reviewed his transcripts, licenses and certifications. Then, they assigned online courses through program partners, with JetBlue covering the cost.
“It’s been a tremendous experience. The fact that all the courses are online makes taking these classes incredibly flexible.”
He will continue take courses online through JetBlue Scholars partners until it’s time for his final course. Then his credits will transfer to Thomas Edison State University, where he will take his final capstone course online—and graduate.
