MC’s Dual Enrollment Program Helps Scholar’s Aerospace Dreams Take Flight

Ronny Picardo dreamed of becoming a pilot as a child. But while attending Roberto Clemente Middle School and exploring STEM courses, his interest gradually shifted from flying planes to building them.

Now, Picardo is one step closer to making that dream a reality. He graduated in May from both Northwest High School and Montgomery College through MC’s Dual Enrollment Middle College program. This fall, he will attend the University of Maryland, College Park, where he plans to study aerospace engineering as a student in the Honors College.

A Prestigious National Honor

Picardo's academic achievements have earned him national recognition. This year, he was one of 60 students nationwide to earn the highly competitive 2026 Cooke College Scholarship, awarded by the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation to exceptional students with financial need. The scholarship provides up to $55,000 annually to pursue a bachelor’s degree, along with access to academic advising, career guidance and a nationwide network of scholars.

His connection to the foundation began years before receiving the scholarship. Since eighth grade, Picardo has participated in the organization's Young Scholars Program, which offers academic enrichment opportunities to high-achieving students. He attended summer courses through the program at Northwestern University and Vanderbilt University, and completed projects ranging from civic leadership to transportation planning and road safety.

At Montgomery College, his work also earned recognition. He received the Prometheus Award for Strength of Character in Engineering this spring and won first place in the undergraduate category of the District of Columbia Council of Engineering and Architectural Societies’ annual engineering paper competition for his work on jet aircraft performance modeling.

The Dual Enrollment Path

When deciding where to attend high school, Picardo and his family carefully considered MCPS magnet program options, but opted to attend his home school because it offered MC’s Middle College program and it aligned with his goals.

“We thought it was a much better fit because it's a more realistic, real-world experience with exposure to the engineering sciences, rather than more difficult versions of high school classes,” Picardo explained.

The program’s structure allowed him to gradually transition into college-level coursework. During his junior year, Montgomery College professors taught classes on the Northwest campus, helping students balance high school and college academics while building confidence. By his senior year, Picardo was attending classes full time at MC's Rockville campus and taking a summer physics course at the Germantown campus.

His familiarity with the College stretches back to middle school when he attended summer camps and met professor Monica Mellini, who has since taught him in multiple engineering courses.

“She supported me both academically and professionally during my time in the dual enrollment program, and I wouldn’t have been able to do this without her guidance,” Picardo reflected. “She served as my academic advisor and helped me choose the best classes to shape my general engineering knowledge into the foundation for my future studies in aerospace engineering. And in her classes, I got to learn more about the engineering profession, professional skills, how to network, build a portfolio as an engineer and use industry-relevant software.”  

Building Community and a Bridge to the Future

While balancing high school and college coursework can seem intimidating, Picardo found the transition easier than he thought. Through classes, labs and group projects, he connected with students pursuing similar academic interests and built friendships that continue today. Just as importantly, the program was intentionally designed to support high school students as they navigate a college environment—providing an invaluable head start for students like Picardo.

“I would recommend the program to anyone because it offers you so much more than what the high school experience is limited to. It is a bridge that makes everything feel more natural when you transfer.”

With his MC coursework preparing him to transfer to the University System of Maryland’s flagship institution, Picardo offers a final piece of advice for students interested in the dual enrollment program.

“You have to embrace both spheres at once. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there, because in college you have to advocate for yourself. As long as you move your way through it, do what you have to do and embrace these new experiences, you will be very successful.”