Travelers are beginning to spread their wings a bit further these days as air carriers are pulling out all the stops to ease the minds and wallets of passengers who choose to fly during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Despite their eagerness to travel, some passengers may still be on the fence as far as booking their next flight is concerned. The good news is that most US airlines have created new guidelines and restructured their schedules to make travelers feel more confident.
This month, Vaughn College is highlighting five ways airlines have pivoted to make traveling a more passenger-friendly experience during the pandemic.
Ticketing
It comes as no surprise that the influx of customers seeking refunds was staggering, as travelers scrambled to cancel their existing flights that were booked prior to the pandemic striking the US in mid-March.
Here are two ways some airlines are accommodating their customers:
Loosening restrictions on vouchers and travel credits
Extending time frames for travelers to rebook their trips
Cleaning
Travelers want peace of mind when traveling by plane, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Airlines have upped their game by making significant changes to their cleaning procedures to minimize the risk of passengers contracting the virus.
Here are steps some airlines are taking to maintain cleanliness on their planes:
Electrostatic spraying with disinfectant before every flight, with close attention to high-touch areas like overhead bin handles and arm rests
Deep cleaning each plane for six-to-seven hours every night, from back-to-front
Holding flights if airline personnel feels cabin is not clean enough prior to boarding
On the ground experience
A smooth experience in the air begins with a positive experience on the ground. Travelers have been seeing significant changes at airports as they navigate through the coronavirus pandemic. Here are safety measures some travelers may notice which could help reduce the spread of the virus:
Plexiglass shields at check-in counters and gates
Frequent sanitation of touch points, including kiosks
Touch-free transit, using mobile boarding passes
Use of electrostatic spraying in the gate areas and jet bridges to help keep pre- and post-flight process areas sanitized
Back-to-front boarding or limited number of passengers boarding at once
For the lounges that are open, travelers should expect a “scaled-back” experience such as limited capacity, disposable glassware and pre-packaged snacks
Onboard experience
If you haven’t flown in a while, you can expect changes to the onboard experience. Aside from the mandatory mask requirement, passengers may be noticing other significant changes including:
Blocked middle seats on larger aircraft, and aisle seats on smaller ones
Reduced passenger capacity
Limited passenger and flight attendant interactions
Refreshments may be provided in individually sealed bags only
Loyalty
Loyalty is more important now than ever before when it comes to airlines supporting their loyal fliers. Here is how some airlines with loyalty programs are supporting their members:
Extending the elite status
Earning bonuses via credit card spending
We hope this glimse into what airlines are doing today during the pandemic will help you prepare for your next flight.
Are you interested in a futureproof career? For over 85 years, Vaughn College has been training people from all walks of life to work in the aviation field. From pilots and air traffic controllers to aircraft maintenance mechanics and engineers, Vaughn offers the degrees that can give you a competitive edge in some of today’s hottest markets. Discover all that’s possible with an exciting career in engineering and technology, management or aviation.Apply today.
When Vaughn College alumnus Vladislav Makarov ’16 landed his job at air cargo company Atlas Air in 2015, he never imagined how valuable his dual bachelor’s degrees in airport and airline management from Vaughn would become—especially during an unforeseen pandemic. The air cargo market has seen a recent surge in demand, as airfreight and cargo companies have become an essential part of transporting medical supplies and other life-saving equipment during the coronavirus pandemic.
This month, we caught up with Makarov to hear about his latest position at Atlas Air and to revisit his journey of a successful career in air cargo aviation.
Finding his way to Vaughn
Makarov began his academic journey at Queens College where he studied computer science. After only two semesters, however, he knew he wanted to pursue his biggest passion—aviation. “In the back of my mind I always wanted a career in aviation, but I didn’t know how to go about starting one. One day, I started doing research on potential colleges in the field of Air Traffic Control. As it turned out, Vaughn was in an ideal location for me.” He attended an open house and learned more about the curriculum and how students are specifically trained and educated in their chosen fields of study. He enrolled in the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) where he studied airport management with the hope of becoming an air traffic controller.
Switching Gears
Learning of a change in the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) hiring practices from AT-CTI colleges at the time that lead to career uncertainty, Makarov decided to switch gears and add to his marketability by pursuing a dual bachelor’s degree in airport/airline management at Vaughn. “It was a very valuable experience,” he stated. “I received a well-rounded education.”
Experiencing the value of Vaughn
Looking back, Makarov recalls several experiences that he considers invaluable in his pursuit of a career in aviation. He describes working on the capstone degree project with associate management professor, Dr. Peter Canellis, as one of his favorite and most relevant classes. The project covered taking over a fictional company and analyzing how someone would manage and finance all the aspects of a company. Makarov also speaks highly of the air traffic control courses taught by Professor George Tracy as well as an interesting course he took with management chair, Dr. Maxine Lubner. “Vaughn’s curriculum prepares you for the field you’ll be working in by providing real world, practical examples that you can use right away,” Makarov said. “Unlike my experiences at other colleges, at Vaughn, you jump right into the core of what you will be doing in your field after graduation.” One of the most valuable attributes of the College Makarov describes is the small class size. He said the small, non-traditional college experience is what he believes gives students the tools and knowledge they need to achieve their dreams.
Landing the job at Atlas Air—The Vaughn/Atlas Air Connection
Vaughn’s long-term relationship with Atlas Air has proven to be truly valuable, as several alumni like Makarov have landed internships and ultimately full-time positions with this renowned aviation cargo company. Karen Batson ’04, Vaughn alumna and adjunct faculty member, has an impeccable record when it comes to hiring Vaughn graduates to work at Atlas Air. The reason: Batson knows how Vaughn prepares graduates for the aviation field and successful careers.
As part of the more than 30 of the College’s graduates, Batson hired Makarov after obtaining his résumé from career services. “Karen is always interested in training new employees and growing them to reach their potential,” said Makarov. “She pushes you to improve yourself and to always learn something new.” Makarov would know—Batson has been his manager for the past five years.
Climbing the aviation ladder
During his time at Atlas Air, Makarov has worked on a variety of projects in the data science field. He uses data visualization software to provide reports to various groups and also reviews aircraft reliability statistics to find trending issues. Both of these are specific-system and fleet-wide issues that need addressing. More specifically, his job is to narrow down specific reasons for why something is happening and provide solutions in an effort to reduce aircraft maintenance costs and disruptions. “The Continuing Analysis and Surveillance System (CASS) program is designed to track and find potential safety risks and is one way airlines like Atlas Air keep their operations as safe as possible.”
Makarov was recently promoted to senior analyst. His current responsibilities include developing new reports, as well as training his colleagues. He said that at one point, he even had to train himself on new concepts. He developed new reports from scratch, which included the coding and IT of the programs. “Oversight and technical systems are daily parts of the job. Every day brings something different and challenging.”
Fueling his passion for aviation, Makarov is a certified private pilot and he is currently working on his instrument rating. “I love the career I’ve chosen. The training never ends.”
In these times of uncertainty, one thing is certain. Now is the time to set yourself on a path to a futureproof career. See how a degree from Vaughn College can get you there. Apply today.
Cultural differences have proven to play a role in pursuing a career. For 20-year-old Zarin Tasnim ’21, her dream of becoming a doctor was quickly replaced by pursuing a bachelor of science degree in airport management and taking air traffic control courses after she attended an Open House at Vaughn College in 2017.
Learning from a cartoon
Born in the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Tasnim moved with her family to Queens, New York when she was nine years old. She recalls life being difficult then as she did not know how to speak the English language. This obstacle kept her from having many friends. “I knew even at an early age that I needed to learn how to speak English,” said Tasnim. “Believe it or not, I credit the cartoon character ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ for helping me learn English,” she said laughingly. “I watched the show every day and before I knew it, I was able to speak the language well enough to make myself understood.”
Breaking cultural barriers
Growing up, Tasnim aspired to become a doctor but she said something did not feel right about it. She believed she had a different path to take. When she entered high school, she enrolled in the science technology engineering and math (STEM) program. She admits biology was not her favorite subject and soon realized the medical field might not be the right path for her. She switched her focus toward mechanical engineering and decided that would be her track when she moved onto college. Tasnim thought her future was set. She received a full-ride, four-year scholarship to Brooklyn College and was ready to dive into her engineering degree—until she heard about Vaughn. “In my country we are encouraged to become doctors or engineers,” Tasnim said. “I always thought becoming a doctor would be my path. That all changed when I discovered Vaughn.”
Changing paths
Even with the full scholarship in place at Brooklyn College, Tasnim wasted no time attending an Open House at Vaughn. “From the minute I saw the radar and tower control simulators, I knew Vaughn was the perfect college for me. It felt like home,” she said. At that moment, Tasnim was at a crossroads. Her parents were excited that she was considering a college closer to home, but the financial hurdle came into question. She had her tuition covered at another college, but her heart was set on Vaughn. The question Tasnim asked herself: “How can I afford to attend Vaughn?”
Finding Financial Opportunities
In the summer of 2017, Tasnim attended an express registration event and was accepted on the spot. She enrolled in the airport management program for the upcoming fall semester. Soon after, Tasnim realized she and her family could not afford the program. With a heavy heart, she began the process of withdrawing from her fall classes when Vaughn approached her about the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) which provided her the financial assistance to remain a student at Vaughn. One of the requirements of HEOP is to complete a summer semester. Vaughn enrolled her right away and Tasnim was on her way to pursuing her dream.
The HEOP program is an important part of life at Vaughn, and its mandate closely follows the College’s own: Providing economically and educationally disadvantaged and underrepresented students the possibility of a college education. The primary objective of both HEOP and Vaughn is to help provide a broad range of services to students who—because of academic and economic circumstances—would otherwise be unable to attend college, yet have the potential and desire to obtain a college degree.
Balancing work and studies
Although Tasnim is pursuing a degree in airport management, she is focusing on air traffic control to be her ultimate profession. With help from Vaughn’s career services department, she was hired by the Washington Center for a summer internship, where she works at LaGuardia Airport’s air traffic control tower. “It’s important that I position myself wisely to prepare for my future in aviation,” Tasnim said. “Working as an airport manager will give me the experience that I need right out of college to help lay the groundwork for my future. I hope to be hired as an air traffic controller after graduation to land my dream job.” In addition to her internship, she holds a second part-time job working as a receptionist at the security desk at Vaughn.
Grateful to Vaughn
Without the support and guidance from HEOP and the Vaughn family, Tasnim said she wouldn’t be where she is today. “It’s important for me to break the stereotype of working in a predominantly male profession,” she stated. “I still pinch myself every day that I’m where I am now. Even my parents can’t believe it.” She explains how the professors at Vaughn have been instrumental in helping her on her journey, but the driving force is her close relationship she has with her siblings. “My younger sister and brother look up to me as a role model,” Tasnim said lovingly. “I need to show them that anything is possible and not to settle in life. It’s acceptable to change your mind. Change is a good thing and I’m living proof of that.”
Job numbers are on the rise as the economy begins to open up after the economic shutdown due to COVID-19. Throughout the pandemic, several industries actually saw a rise in demand as they became an essential part of assisting in critical operations.
This month, Vaughn College is spotlighting three industries that are thriving during these uncertain times. The exciting news is how the College’s futureproof degrees in engineering and technology, management and aviation are showing their value, even during a pandemic, as some of these essential industries made the list. Read on to learn more about them. We have even matched up the degree you will need to land the job. Which one suits you?
Cargo Aviation
The air cargo market has seen a recent surge in demand, as airfreight and cargo companies have become an essential part of transporting medical supplies and other life-saving equipment during the coronavirus pandemic. According to a recent market report—“Global Air Cargo Market 2020-2024”—released last month by Technavio (a global technology research and advisory company), the air cargo market is expected to grow by 16.75 million tons during the four-year time frame. It is reported that an increase in e-commerce sales has been a key factor in driving the growth of the cargo aviation market. Airlines that include The Emirates Group, United Parcel Service (UPS) Inc., Delta Air Lines, FedEx Corp., and others are among the market participants.
Boeing is also finding its way back to the runways as the revival of the air cargo market is fueling new deals for its cargo planes. With three different types of cargo jets and converted passenger-to-cargo planes in its fleet, the company is receiving orders from delivery service giants like UPS and FedEx.
Closer to home, Vaughn’s long-term relationship with Atlas Air has resulted in several alumni landing internships and ultimately full-time positions with this renowned aviation cargo company. Karen Batson ’04, Vaughn alumna and adjunct faculty member, has been instrumental in hiring more than 30 of the College’s graduates to work at Atlas Air because she knows how Vaughn prepares graduates for the aviation field and successful careers. Last year, Vaughn honored William J. Flynn, chair of the board and chief executive officer of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. at their annual gala that celebrates professionals in the industry. In his speech, Flynn stated: “Ten percent of our workforce in our New York headquarters are Vaughn College graduates. Many more graduates work elsewhere across our company. Several of our employees are now teaching at Vaughn. And countless more have mentored Vaughn students through our ongoing internship program. The work that Vaughn is doing is so critical to propelling this industry forward. Vaughn is developing some of the best and brightest minds in the workforce today.”
Interested in working in cargo aviation? Vaughn offers the following degree that could land you a job in the field. Which will you choose?
The urgent demand for medical technology during the pandemic has placed engineers front and center, as their skills and knowledge continue to play a significant role in patient care. From building life-saving ventilators to managing and tracking medical technology in hospitals, engineers are proving to be more essential now than ever before. Biomedical engineers, along with engineers who specialize in the mechatronic or robotics field, are also making their marks.
The use of robotic technology is on the rise, aiding the medical profession in ways that we once thought of as futuristic possibilities. Robots are stepping up in a big way as COVID-19 has shifted us from being a “hands-on” society to a “touchless” one. In fact, it’s believed the longest lasting effect of the coronavirus will be the use of automation. So, what does this all mean? To reduce human exposure in high-touch areas, robots are being used to disinfect and deliver goods and services, among other tasks. Additionally, robotics technologies are being valued for their profitability and are now viewed as critical components in a company’s infrastructure, similar to the way organizations may see computers and other key infrastructure.
Do you have a passion for robotics and engineering? Vaughn offers New York’s first bachelor of science degree program in mechatronic engineering, a unique curriculum that combines mechanical, electrical and computer engineering. This degree program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET (abet.org).
In addition to robotics, Vaughn offers several engineering and technology degrees that can set you on a path to a futureproof career. Are you ready to join one of the world’s fastest growing fields? See which one is right for you?
Most of us do not think about how we get our electricity. We just flip a switch and expect it to be there. With the majority of us under quarantine and working from home due to the coronavirus, the demand for electricity is higher than ever. Utility workers have always had an essential role in our daily lives. Add a pandemic to the mix, and their roles are even greater.
Vaughn College’s Aviation Training Institute can prepare you for a high-paying career as a certified airframe and powerplant technician. Did you know there are many reasons to launch a career in aviation maintenance? Aviation maintenance technicians have well-rounded knowledge and skills to work in a variety of fields. And those who are trained with an airframe and powerplant certification can work on any turbine engine. This valuable skill opens the doors to work on aircraft, trains and automobiles, and in power generation for electric, solar and wind companies.
Are you interested in working in the utility industry? Vaughn offers programs that can help you secure a job in the field.
In these times of uncertainty, one thing is certain. Now is the time to set yourself on a path to a futureproof career. See how a degree from Vaughn College can get your there. Apply today.
Friends come into our lives for a reason. For 18-year old Daniel Cianov ’21, it was his close high school friend Edward Carmona who proved to be the driving force that inspired Cianov to pursue an associate degree in occupational studies (AOS) at Vaughn College’s Aviation Training Institute (ATI).
Finding his way to Vaughn
Deeply rooted in his Russian and Jewish heritage, Cianov was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York before moving to his current home in Queens. Throughout his early years, he always believed he would work in the medical field, following in the footsteps of his family. But something changed along the way. “As I got older, I realized working in the medical field wasn’t for me,” Cianov said. “I was lost for a while until my friend approached me two months before high school graduation and told me about the ATI program at Vaughn.
Launching his future
Cianov was excited about Vaughn. He researched all the information he could find and knew the College would be the turning point to guide him toward his future. “I was never a great student,” Cianov said humbly, “but I have always been good at using my hands. Studying to become an aircraft maintenance technician was never on my radar, but thanks to my friend, my passion became my future profession.” Both Cianov and Carmona enrolled at Vaughn in the summer of 2019 and, according to Cianov, they have not looked back since.
Gaining hands-on experience
Growing up, Cianov recalls fond memories of helping his father, Abraham, with various tasks around the house. “My father taught me the importance of knowing how to use my hands,” he explained. “He is a jeweler by trade, which requires skill and precise techniques.”
At Vaughn, Cianov said the hands-on skills he is learning are a perfect fit for him. The mechanical skills involved in airframe and powerplant maintenance operations has validated his passion for working as an aircraft maintenance technician. “The professors teach you everything from the ground up,” he said. “The curriculum is the perfect balance of lecture and lab. Everything you need to know is presented professionally and carefully so the students have a full understanding of the material.”
Having a good support system
Having the full support of his family was an important factor for Cianov to pursue his degree at Vaughn—but affording his education came at a price. “I wasn’t sure how I could afford a college education,” he said. “I learned of the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) and took it a step further. I am grateful to be a part of the program and the opportunity it afforded me to pursue my degree.”
The Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program is an important part of life at Vaughn, and its mandate closely follows the College’s own: Providing economically and educationally disadvantaged and underrepresented students the possibility of a college education. The primary objective of both HEOP and Vaughn is to help provide a broad range of services to students who—because of academic and economic circumstances—would otherwise be unable to attend college, yet have the potential and desire to obtain a college degree.a
Like son, like father
Abraham’s excitement for his son to work in the aviation industry has inspired him to possibly pursue a career in this field as well. At this time, Abraham is considering enrolling at Vaughn in the future to begin a new career path for himself.
Looking to the future
Cianov is working toward completing his coursework in the AOS program so he can move on to taking the airframe and powerplant licensing exams. He said he plans on working in the New York area and eventually earning his private pilot license.
“There comes a time when you just know you’re in the right profession,” said Cianov. “I owe it all to my friend. I know I’m not there yet, but I have no doubt I’m on the right path for a bright future.”
Are you interested in a career as an aviation maintenance technician? In as little as 16 months, Vaughn College’s Aviation Training Institute can prepare you for a high paying career as a certified airframe and powerplant technician. Interested in learning more? Sign up for our next Info. Session on July 22 at 6 p.m. – you’ll receive the opportunity to apply for FREE and a chance to win a $500 scholarship. In addition, learn how you can take advantage of Vaughn’s HEOP program which may include a variety of services including workshops, supplemental financial assistance, counseling, tutoring in several subject areas and more.
The friendly skies are quieter these days, as the coronavirus crisis has lessened the demand for air travel. While airlines are reporting a new record low in terms of recent air traffic, there is good news on the horizon that shows airlines and travelers are striving to get back on track.
One unanticipated impact that COVID-19 has had on the airline industry is the increased demand for cargo carriers, like Atlas Air. Air freight demand is up, reflecting the important role chartered cargo plays in maintaining the flow of goods in the best of times, and now in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Aviation and management degrees from Vaughn College are proving a valuable resource amidst the pandemic, as several alumni and recent grads are employed by Atlas Air and in other cargo-related positions within the industry. With the proper training students receive at Vaughn, combined with the boost in relief dollars from stimulus relief package, the future is looking bright for students who are seeking a futureproof career in the aviation industry.
Stimulus Relief Package
On March 27, 2020, President Donald J. Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (or CARES) Act as an emergency response to the coronavirus pandemic. The $2 trillion stimulus package includes appropriations to aid the airline industry, transit agencies and related infrastructure. What does this all mean? Here is how it breaks down.
Construction
Of the $339.9 billion in appropriations included in the CARES Act, the Engineering News Record estimates more than $40 billion could be eligible for construction. It will be up to the states, localities and other aid recipients, however, to determine the distribution between operations and construction in certain cases. As it stands, the stimulus bill allocates $25 billion for “transit infrastructure grants,” but it states funds can be used for transit agencies’ “operating expenses related to the response to a coronavirus public health emergency.” Agencies could be seeing an additional benefit as these funds may help with lost revenue from sharp declines in ridership.
Airlines and The Aviation Industry
The CARES Act sets aside $61 billion in funding and loans for the airline and aviation industry. Of that allocation, the airlines will see $29 billion—with $25 billion going for passenger carriers and $4 billion for cargo airlines. Aviation contractors will see support of $3 billion.
Airports
Airports across the country are earmarked to share in $10 billion in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants, which will provide them much needed relief amidst the coronavirus pandemic. In the past, AIP was used to fund runway work and other infrastructure. To provide additional relief, the CARES Act expands the $10 billion for “any purpose for which airport revenues may lawfully be used”—including non-infrastructure purposes. According to American Association of Airport Executives President and CEO, Todd Hauptli, although some of the $10 billion may be used to finance construction, the funds “will help keep people at work, avoid defaults on bonds, allow critical projects to continue and assist with recovery efforts that will be massive over time.”
Closer to home
Parts of the $8 billion rebuilding project at LaGuardia Airport were halted in March when dozens of construction workers contracted the coronavirus, thus sending an unknown number of workers into quarantine after potential exposure. Governor Andrew Cuomo said despite the worker shortage, it was vital that construction at LaGuardia Airport continue.
You should know that the future of air travel and the aviation industry is bright and will bounce back quickly, especially with the additional funding and grants coming in. By the time a four-year degree program is completed, the industry is predicted to be back to where it was pre-pandemic. You can learn more about Vaughn College, its programs, student life, financial aid and more by viewing the recorded presentations from our Virtual Open House.
Amazon customers may soon be priming for a special delivery. And, it’s not about what they ordered but how it’s being delivered. Amazon unveiled its Prime Air delivery drone last summer, which has left consumers and drone enthusiasts on the edge of their seats.
If this sounds familiar, it is. The internet retailer has been improving on its drone technology over the years to bring its next-generation electric drone closer to the skies and to your doorstep. Who knows? It may be at your home sooner than you think.
Latest design
Named the “MK27,” Amazon’s delivery drone service Prime Air is breaking barriers over the more than two dozen drone designs the company has tested in the past. This new “hybrid design” can show off its moves by taking off and landing vertically, like a helicopter, and flying horizontally and aerodynamically, like an airplane. This latest advancement is considered to make this drone safer, more efficient and more stable since it operates on six degrees of movement instead of four. Watch the video to see for yourself.
Safety factor
You may have some questions about how the Amazon drone delivery service can navigate around obstacles, let alone on its own. Here’s how: Artificial Intelligence (AI), combined with some pretty cool technology and features, allows the delivery drone to operate more autonomously. Thermal cameras, depth cameras and sonar are used to detect hazards while onboard computers are programmed to automatically identify obstacles and navigate around them. For example, Prime Air drones will be able to detect people, animals and even wires or backyard clotheslines. Even more impressive is the drone’s ability make appropriate moves and delivery decisions based on changes in the environment, either while in transit or if it encounters a moving object. Amazon took drone safety one step further by protecting the drone’s rotors with covers, which serve as wings during sustained flight. The company said that in addition to acting as a safety feature, the rotor covers allow for a more dynamic and faster flight.
Delivery capabilities
Amazon is working hard toward its goal to design a drone with a 15-mile range that can deliver packages under five pounds within 30 minutes. If you’re thinking that limits deliveries to small packages, you’re correct. But did you know that 75 to 90 percent of items purchased on Amazon are under five pounds?
On the horizon
As exciting as the thought may be of having an Amazon drone delivery service deliver a package to your home, there’s still no definitive timeframe on when it will happen. Over the years, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved Amazon drones for test flights; however, regulations require each new prototype to have a special airworthiness certificate. Additionally, Amazon is still faced with overcoming certain social and technological obstacles, which include drone noise and the challenges of flying in inclement weather (e.g., rain or snow). The good news is the company is working hard on making drone delivery a reality. When that will happen, is up in the air.
Are you interested in the aviation industry, or learning how to design and build an unmanned aerial vehicle? Discover all that’s possible with an engineering degree from Vaughn College.
Imagine receiving a full four-year scholarship to Vaughn College, paid summer internships and a guaranteed job after graduation in a “futureproof” career. Sound too good to be true? It’s not. In fact, if you’re an incoming freshman who lives in Queens County, NY with a dream of pursuing a career in engineering, technology, management or aviation, your dream may be closer than you think.
For the second year, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is partnering with Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology to offer a unique scholarship opportunity to five incoming freshmen for the 2020-2021 academic school year. This amazing opportunity is part of the ongoing redevelopment of LaGuardia Airport and the city’s commitment to reinvesting in the communities that play host to the airport.
Do you have what it takes to apply? Read on to learn more about the scholarship program benefits, if you qualify and how to apply.
Scholarship Program: What You’ll Receive
The scholarship covers the complete annual tuition for up to four consecutive years of full-time study and is renewable each year for up to four years, providing the student maintains a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher and full-time student status.
Scholarship recipients will receive:
A “futureproof” tuition-free education (full, four-year scholarship starting in the fall 2020 semester).
aid internships at the Port Authority airports during the summers while enrolled at Vaughn.
Full-time employment with the Port Authority upon graduation for those who qualify.
How to Qualify
Five finalists will be selected for a full-tuition scholarship based on the following criteria:
Students must reside in Queens County, NY.
Preference will be given to residents of the following zip codes: 11369 (East Elmhurst), 11370 (East Elmhurst, Astoria), and 11105 (Astoria)
Secondary preference will be given to residents of the following zip codes: 11368 (Corona, Willets Point), 11102 (Astoria) and 11103 (Astoria)
Additional criteria:
Minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least an 80
Minimum cumulative score of 1,000 on the SAT or 22 on the ACT
Applicant must submit academic accomplishments, intellectual and creative distinctions, extracurricular activities, letters of reference and original essays.
Applicants must have completed and submitted an Application for Admission to Vaughn College prior to submission of a scholarship application.
As part of the Port Authority Partners and Vaughn College Scholarship Program application, applicants must also submit two letters of recommendation, an essay and completed application form with official high school transcript and SAT or ACT scores.
Don’t miss this opportunity for a “futureproof” tuition-free education at Vaughn College. Don’t forget the deadline of March 1, 2020. For additional questions, please contact: Mr. Celso Alvarez, Associate VP of Enrollment via email at or by calling 718-429-6600, extension 117.
Preparing for a career in engineering and technology, management or aviation goes well beyond the classroom. Networking, job experience and job search techniques all play critical roles to opening the doors of opportunity. At Vaughn College, our career services department is dedicated to preparing its students for success in their fields by helping them to explore various jobs in their fields. From orientation through graduation, we are ready to guide students every step of the way so they can find their dream job as soon as possible after graduation. We are so confident that our students will be employed or continue their education within one year of graduation that we even guarantee it.
Are you an engineering, technology, management or aviation student approaching graduation? Or maybe you’re a student considering any number of aeronautics, engineering or technology careers? Vaughn’s career services department is offering some valuable graduation―and ongoing―tips to prepare you for a career. Explore the many jobs in your field of interest with our career services team.
Tip 1: Complete the Career Development Course
Vaughn’s Career Development Course lays the foundation for landing jobs as it prepares students for the many career opportunities available to them as students and graduates. You will learn vital skills which include résumé and cover letter preparation, interviewing techniques, networking and various job search strategies. Every Vaughn student must take and pass the course in addition to participating in a mock interview.
Tip 2: Secure an Internship/Job
Internships are an asset to learning and gaining hands-on experience in your field. Securing an internship or part-time position may be the key to landing a job after graduation. Vaughn has secured relationships with a broad scope of industry partners and employers that include airports, The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, major airline carriers and manufacturing companies with government military contracts, just to name a few. This unique partnership is just another way Vaughn prepares you for a “futureproof” career.
Tip 3: Build a Network of Contacts
It’s not always about what you know, but who you know. Building a network of contacts early on is one of the best ways you can prepare for any career. The career services department at Vaughn is at the top of its game when it comes to spreading the word about networking events, partnerships and other network-building opportunities. Vaughn encourages its students to join on-campus clubs that tie in with their field of study. This is a great way to meet fellow students who share the same passions and career goals.
Tip 4: Attend Vaughn’s Career Fair
Get your networking game on by attending the upcoming Vaughn College Fall Career Fair. It’s an exciting and valuable time where we bring today’s leading engineering, technology, management and aviation employers to you—all gathered under one roof so you can learn more about the jobs in your field. Some of the employers who will be attending include the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) New York City Transit, The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, JFK International Air Terminal, the New York State Police Department, Atlas Air and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), among others. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity:
Vaughn College Fall Career Fair
Date: Thursday, September 26
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Place: Hangar
Be prepared. Bring your résumé. Professional dress is required.
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