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.

How to Apply: Deadline is March 1, 2020

Applicants must complete a Port Authority Partners and Vaughn College Scholarship Program Application.

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.

Leadership, a love for aviation and his exceptional people skills were the driving forces behind Vaughn graduate Otha Ward’s ’19 pursuit of a career in airport management. At 22 years old, Ward is making a name for himself at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), where he holds the position of airport operations agent.

A day in the life

Airports operate under Part 139 Certification issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure safety in air transportation. As an airport operations agent, Ward is responsible for upholding and meeting the standards of Airport Operating Certificates and assist in keeping airport operations within FAA compliance. On any given day, Ward is responsible for numerous aspects of airport safety. Here’s a snapshot of some of his responsibilities:

  • Operations: Bird strikes are a reality in aviation safety which can have catastrophic results. Ward explained how keeping wildlife under control is no easy task, as JFK airport lies near a protected wildlife preserve, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. “My job is to ensure the runways and taxiways are clean, safe and free of any wildlife,” he said. Ward pointed out how they never use any lethal methods but instead rely on devices that make loud noises to scare the wildlife away, such as pyrotechnics.
  • Construction: Airport construction sights must be managed to the highest standards to ensure pilots do not fly into a construction zone. Among the responsibilities of the sight safety observer―or SSO―is to keep the site safe by controlling the lighting, providing the sufficient number of security guards and placing the low-mass barriers in the correct positions. “Managing the construction site is one of my biggest responsibilities,” Ward stated. “It’s my job to keep the site safe. I have the control to shut the site down if I feel it’s unsafe and I have done so in the past. There’s no cap when it comes to safety.”
  • Relocating Airplanes: Another aspect of his job is to relocate airplanes when space is at a minimum. “We have a separate ‘parking area’ for these planes. I work directly with air traffic control to keep everything flowing smoothly on the ground.”

Why he chose Vaughn College

Growing up in Baldwin, NY, Ward loved to play sports but also shared his time with his extended family who lived in New York City. After high school, he knew he wanted to pursue a career in the aviation industry. But where? Being familiar with the area, Ward researched colleges in the neighboring towns and boroughs. “I was blown away by Vaughn College and their recognition as being ranked number one in upward mobility,” he said. “The high success rate of students finding great jobs in their field after graduation sealed the deal for me. Choosing Vaughn was a smart choice.” In fact, 99% of Vaughn graduates are employed or continue their education within one year, and 83% are employed within their chosen field. Ward is a perfect example of a student who has achieved this and more.

The pathway from Vaughn to JFK

While pursuing his bachelor’s degree in airport management at Vaughn, Ward explained how the faculty, staff and curriculum all worked together seamlessly to ensure his success.

  • Summer internship: The career services department was instrumental in helping place Ward in a summer internship at JFK, where he said he earned valuable experience and exposure to the industry. His exceptional work ethic and performance afforded him an extension of his internship through the academic year, where he worked his way up and gained further experience.
  • Leadership roles: In his junior year, Ward gained more proficiency and exposure by holding leadership positions in campus clubs. He was the president of the Vaughn student chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and vice president of the student chapter of the Women in Aviation organization. As an alumnus of the College, he currently serves on the president’s board with industry leaders.
  • Outstanding professors: There’s no denying Ward received an outstanding education and gained rewarding experience at Vaughn. He credits his success with not only the professionalism and knowledge of his professors but the firsthand experience from the adjunct professors. “They teach and we learn in real time. It’s one of the most valuable parts of a Vaughn education.”

Three months prior to his graduation in May 2019, Ward began working in his current position at JFK. “I knew it was a rigorous application process for the job at JFK, so I submitted my resume early,” Ward explained. The three-step process took months to complete, but Ward said it all paid off in the end. After submitting his resume, he was required to take the Airport Operations Agent (AOA) exam. Then, the waiting process began when the decision board narrowed down the applicants and asked them back for an interview.

Ward credits Vaughn with helping him pursue his dream and land a rewarding career at an international airport. “Vaughn is a special place,” he stated humbly. “The College has connections that sets it apart from other institutions—making that one of its greatest assets. I’m grateful to everyone at Vaughn for helping me get to where I am today.”

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.

You may remember Pat as the first student to post to vaughnblog.com. In this clip, Pat describes his internship experience at Vaughn. Check back for more posts from our student ambassadors!