has designed degree programs for aviation school students interested in becoming professional pilots and other entry-level operations careers in the aviation industry, as well as related government agencies. All aircraft operations (flight) degree programs offered by Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology include the academic liberal arts and sciences, as well as specific courses in flight that also count as the "ground school" portion of flight instruction. In order to complete Vaughn College's degree programs, students must complete all degree requirements, as well as pass the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) written pilot exams. Students may also choose to complete an AAS or BS degree in aircraft operations without completing the flight portion. These students are also eligible to participate in the FAA's Air Traffic Control Collegiate Training Initiative. Students have the option of pursuing careers with aviation-related government agencies such as the FAA or the National Transportation Safety Board. FAA ground qualifications also assist students in a variety of aviation careers, including ground instructor, flight dispatcher, accident investigator, aviation administrator and aviation researcher. ROTC Students may participate in the Air Force ROTC program headquartered at Manhattan College. Students may participate in the U.S. Army ROTC program through NYC Army ROTC, headquartered at Fordham University. Civil Air Patrol Unit Academy Cadet Squadron, a subordinate unit of the New York City Group of the Civil Air Patrol, meets every Friday at the college. Members of the cadet program often apply to the college after high school graduation and remain cadets until 21 years of age. Cadet membership is available for anyone aged 12 to 18 with the opportunity to remain a cadet until 21 once they have joined. Adult members, called "officers" or formerly "Senior Members", are anywhere from 19 to 21 years of age and serve as staff members in the squadron. Cadets are offered free orientation flight and leadership opportunities. Cadet officers, Cadet Second Lieutenants or higher, are eligible to receive college scholarships on behalf of the Civil Air Patrol's sponsors in the private and public sectors. Rankings and recognition Vaughn was recognized as having the highest upward mobility rate among 2,137 colleges in a January 18, 2017 article published in The New York Times. Vaughn College was noted as "an institution doing more to impact social mobility for those who start from less fortunate means" and listed as the top institution for moving students from the bottom 40 percent