To address the shortage of air traffic controllers, Vaughn College was approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in April 2025 to offer a training program for an accelerated air traffic controller employment pathway. Nine students enrolled in the two-semester program in fall 2025 and every student just completed the program with a 100% pass rate. This cohort represents a major milestone at Vaughn College and spotlights the collaborative partnership with the FAA.
Through the Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) graduates are placed directly into FAA facilities for controller training (bypassing training time at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma). These students were required to pass a rigorous series of Vaughn requirements, the FAA’s Air Traffic Skills Assessment exam and meet medical and security requirements.
“The Vaughn community is incredibly proud of all nine students who are now well educated and skilled to take positions as air traffic controllers with the Federal Aviation Administration,” said Vaughn College President and CEO Dr. Sharon B. DeVivo. “The success of these students speaks to the investment that this institution was able to provide. We are so grateful to the faculty and staff who insured this exciting outcome—a life changing trajectory for every student.”
Since 1997, Vaughn has offered basic air traffic controller training and graduates are employed throughout the region including LaGuardia, John F. Kennedy International and Westchester airports and across the country in facilities such as Miami and Hawaii.
To provide this new accelerated pathway to employment, Vaughn’s program underwent an extensive review by the FAA to demonstrate that it provides a high-level curriculum, taught by well-qualified, knowledgeable instructors who have held positions as air traffic controllers themselves, and utilizes advanced technology mirroring the training experience offered by the FAA.
“These students worked tirelessly using advanced high fidelity simulations systems under the close supervision of skilled instructors. The result was that they were able to pass their evaluations and are now poised to be assigned directly into tower facilities to begin their careers as controllers,” said Vice President of Training Domenic Proscia. “We are proud of them and those who will follow in their footsteps as we continue to prepare the next generation of aviation professionals who will contribute to the safety and efficiency of our skies.”
