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Ham Radio Club Pilot

The NRAO, supported by ARDC, has developed a new course aimed at STEM clubs, particularly youth groups, to help members earn ham radio licenses and engage more deeply with their communities. In a 15-week pilot program, the NRAO is collaborating with two youth groups with an interest in STEM: the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Virginia (BGCCV) and Pasifika Digital Knowledge Bank (PDKB) in Pukekohe, Aotearoa/New Zealand. The goal is to enhance STEM learning and identity by teaching about the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) and ham radio, connecting learners with their communities.

  • NRAO will provide the following:
  • Funding to support the 15-week initiative
  • Access to the SuperKnova Technician's License course
  • Educational materials covering Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Ham Radio
  • Guidance from an instructor for weekly online classes to help students with their questions
  • An amateur radio set-up for each club
  • Opportunities for professional development
  • Activities designed to build a strong sense of community among participants.
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  • Pasifika Digital Knowledge Bank and the Boys and Girls Club of Central Virginia will provide the following:
  • A mentor who will support the students throughout the program
  • A dedicated space for students to meet and engage in hands-on activities such as kit-building
  • A location for the ham radio equipment to be operated
  • A collaboration with a local volunteer or professional in emergency management so the students can serve as volunteer emergency response team members
  • Each participant will:
  • Spend about 5 hours/week in a combination of self-directed learning, mentor and instructor-led support, in-person learning and activities
  • Be a part of a local cohort of learners, supported by a local mentor - and also be a part of the larger international cohort of learners via weekly online meetings
  • Learn about the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS), along with ham radio and radio astronomy, through an asynchronous online course
  • Learn about careers in the EMS
  • Participate in professional development activities
  • Obtain a Technician amateur (ham) radio license
  • Become part of their local emergency response to natural disasters by learning how to operate and share information via ham/amateur radio




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This project was made possible by a generous grant from the Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC). Learn more about this organization here.  

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