Ham Radio Project Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The program is open to Black Indigenous People of Culture (BIPOC) learners of all gender identities and orientations. The program is also open to anyone who identifies as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
We are creating space for BIPOC young adults to enter and explore the world of amateur radio (also know as Ham Radio) and the exciting opportunities and learning around the electromagnetic spectrum. Importantly, we are hoping to facilitate a cohort of learners who support each other in their journey as amateur radio enthusiasts.
You can expect to spend about 4-5 hours each week learning about the EMS/Ham Radio. Of this, 1-2 hours a week are synchronous (joining an online zoom session). The rest of the learning is asynchronous (accessing Moodle on your own schedule).
No. We are looking for folks who are passionate about learning about the Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS); especially those interested in joining the Amateur Radio community. Some of the content will be geared toward supporting learners who are enrolled in college or are interested in returning to school.
We anticipate “rolling acceptances” - we will review applications throughout the application period and make some offers as early as June 7th. All offers will have been made by June 21st. If you receive an offer letter, please note the deadline for accepting the offer.
You will receive a stipend for each of the 40-weeks in which you participate. Note that there will likely be some reduced expectations for participation during holidays.
Attendance requirements will be described in the course. Generally speaking, in order to maintain eligibility to remain in the course (and to succeed in the course) you will need to attend classes and complete the assignments, or make alternate acceptable arrangements on a case-by-case basis with the instructor.
This is more than a course; this is an intentionally designed cohort-building effort. This means that you will need to show up regularly. Missing more than 4 classes, for example, in one semester, would put your continued participation at risk.
We understand that life can be challenging and that you will have multiple demands on your time and energy. We will avoid burdening you with unnecessary tasks. We will work with you to help you succeed. But you will need to let us know when you need help or accommodations; communication is key to a successful experience in the program.
Students may be asked to leave the program for the following reasons (not all-inclusive):
- Violations of code of conduct and class policies
- Missing classes without notice and without acceptable make-up participation
- Lack of demonstrated progress in course
- Failure to respond to emails or requests for information
This project is made possible by a generous grant from the Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC).
We would also like to thank the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) for donating license manuals and other learning materials and acknowledge the Tuscon Amateur Packet Radio and the Young Amateurs Radio Club for their administrative and technical support in this endeavor.
While no employer can legally require an amateur radio license for a job because of the
"non-pecuniary interest" clauses in CFR Title 47: Part 97, the law that created the amateur radio service,
a license is an entry point to many STEM and non-STEM careers. (Please see Careers and Amateur Radio.)
Successfully pursuing
a ham radio license also “certifies” that you know how to learn, study, set
goals, and organize activities to achieve those goals. These are "soft skills" that any employer should see as valuable.
As well, displaying your ham radio callsign on business cards, license plates, and badges (as well as including it in your resume or CV) will also help you make connections with mentors and other people in your field of study or career. In any project, company, or situation that involves the use of the Electromagnetic Spectrum, you will most likely find another ham!