In response to a nationwide shortage of qualified air traffic controllers that has resulted in growing safety concerns and flight delays, Jersey officials have awarded $3.5 million in state financing to three public institutions to train aviation professionals. Kean University and Atlantic Cape Community College each earned $1.5 million, while Warren County Community College received $500,000 under a grant program designed to expand New Jersey's pipeline of aerospace professionals, the state Office of the Secretary of Higher Education announced on Tuesday.