As of this month, Metro State electrical engineering technology students will have the chance to receive paid technology internships in support of the country's air traffic control system.

Metro State is now an official Federal Aviation Administration Airway Facilities Collegiate Training Initiative (AF-CTI) school, through a program that provides students with paid internships, flexible schedules and the possibility of future FAA employment. In addition, graduates of AF-CTI-related programs are eligible for "short-path" hires—preferential consideration—should they apply to the FAA within two years of graduation.

To certify a school as an AF-CTI institution, the FAA conducts an extensive on-site program review. Metro State is the only institution of higher education in Colorado the FAA approved .

"The FAA evaluation team loved Metro," explains Electrical Engineering Program Coordinator Joe Clark. "They liked the campus, facilities and diversity and the fact that students have access to faculty." Reviewers also remarked on the quality of curriculum content and student technology labs.

Shepherding one evaluator on a tour of computer labs, Visiting Professor Rich Possi stopped to help a student. "After I was through," Possi says, "the FAA guy said, 'That young man is much better off now. You really helped him.' He really enjoyed the accessibility of the faculty."

The department's new designation also means that an FAA representative will serve on its Industry Advisory Board. Plus the department will become eligible to offer courses to existing FAA employees.

"This (designation) says we're on the right track," Clark remarks. "And we'll have to continue working hard to stay on the right track, working with our advisory board to prepare students (to meet) the needs of the industry."

National and local FAA representatives will be on campus Jan. 25 to sign the agreement. More details will follow in @Metro.