NEWINGTON, CT, August 10, 2005--The ARRL Education and
Technology Program (ETP--also
known as "The Big Project")--has expanded by four schools. Deep Wood Elementary School in Round
Rock, Texas, Lampasas
Middle School in Lampasas, Texas, Powell
GT Magnet Elementary School in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Winn Brook School in Belmont, Massachusetts, are the latest to come aboard the growing program. All made their
Amateur Radio equipment selections this summer, and equipment is en route in
time for the new school year that's soon to start. As ETP-participating schools,
each will get a complete Amateur Radio station.
 LBJ High School's Ronny Risinger, KC5EES (left), with ETP Coordinator Mark Spencer, WA8SME, during the 2004 Teachers Institute at ARRL Headquarters. |
 Donna LaRoche, KB1LWY (right), with her Winn Brook School "Hamsters" during the ARRL Holiday Toy Drive in 2004. |
 Students at Bloomington High School South get on the air. |
"The current--and expanding--count of ETP schools stands at 165," says ETP Coordinator Mark Spencer, WA8SME. He notes that the goal of the ARRL Education and Technology Program is to facilitate the integration of wireless technology into participating school curricula.
In addition to "ETP+" equipment grants, the League provides curriculum development support, resource libraries and "progress grants" to correct contingencies that present deterrents to a school's program. Three ETP-participating schools were on the latest list progress grant recipients: Bloomington High School South in Bloomington, Indiana, Eastham Community Center in Wilsonville, Oregon and LBJ High School in Austin, Texas.
The ARRL Executive Committee approved 12 school grants last January 2005. The latest grants total $12,400.
Spencer explains that schools awarded ETP+ equipment grants got to choose from one of three station packages. "The packages will be adjusted to accommodate specific needs, if possible--particularly antenna needs," he points out. "The progress grants include curriculum and printed material--typically products that ARRL produces or offers--as well as components and equipment specifically requested to enhance an existing program."
He notes that pupils attending Deep Wood Elementary go on to attend LBJ High School, and the principals of the two schools want to enhance the already very strong connection that exists between the two schools through their Amateur Radio clubs. Both schools also enjoy strong support from the local ham community, Spencer added.
The LBJ High School's progress grant of $700 will provide equipment to support more on-the-air activity by students. "The school administration and student body are fully embracing the program, and the program is expanding," said Spencer, who visited the school earlier this year. Lead teacher Ronny Risinger, KC5EES, assisted at one of this year's ETP Teachers Institutes at ARRL Headquarters.
Before even getting her ham ticket, Winn Brook School first-grade teacher Donna LaRoche, KB1LWY, already had begun involving her youngsters in the world of Amateur Radio through her "Hamsters" program. Spencer said Winn Brook is getting "exceptionally strong support" from the local ham community--something he considers essential to the success of an ETP school. LaRoche is in the process of upgrading to General.
Bloomington High School South, a well-established project school, will get $400 to purchase an antenna tuner and additional gear for its club station, K9SOU. Eastham Community Center received $300 for components it needs to make some FBI-donated handheld radios functional to support emergency communication activities.
Spencer says the deadline for the next round of grant
applications is November 1. To apply, visit the ARRL Education and Technology
Program (ETP) Web page for an
application. Schools may send applications directly to Spencer at 774 Eastside Rd, Coleville, CA 96107. Contact Mark Spencer,
WA8SME, for additional information.
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