ARRL's "The Big Project" Tops 170 Schools

NEWINGTON, CT, July 5, 2006--With the addition of four new schools, the ARRL Education and Technology Program (ETP -- also known as "The Big Project") now has 171 schools across the US onboard. The newest ETP project grant schools are Denison Middle School, Winter Haven, Florida; Hitchcock High School, Hitchcock, Texas; Jefferson School, St Louis, Missouri, and Mesa Linda Middle School, Apple Valley, California. ETP Coordinator Mark Spencer, WA8SME, notified the four schools in June.

"I am honored to announce that your school has been awarded an Education and Technology Program grant to help you further your school's educational goals," Spencer said in letters to the four schools. "This grant award recognizes the importance of wireless technology in our society and your innovative program that uses the concepts of wireless technology in education." Program grants to the four schools will total $9000.

In addition to the four new schools, the ETP awarded progress grants to two schools that already are a part of the program. They are Powell GT Magnet School, Raleigh, North Carolina and South Sevier High School, Monroe, Utah. Progress grants to the two schools will come to $1000.

The ARRL Executive Committee approved allocating $10,000 in program and progress grants during its May meeting. Spencer now is awaiting equipment "wish lists" from the schools to put the items out for bid. Program schools have a choice of three turnkey Amateur Radio station configurations, depending upon what the school hopes to accomplish.

Denison Middle School already has a ham radio club call sign, KI4NAY. The Florida school is hoping that the 175 students initially participating not only will become Amateur Radio licensees but get involved in emergency communication activities.

On the academic side, the school wants to use the ETP to help the middle schoolers to focus on math and science and set career goals. Instructor Melvin Carr, KI4NBF, will oversee the program's implementation. The school has already established a relationship with the Lakeland and Lake Wales Amateur Radio clubs.

Hitchcock High School plans to set up an Amateur Radio station at the school to serve as a hands-on tool to better acquaint students not only with computers but wireless communication concepts, better preparing them for jobs after graduation. The club station also will "serve as a cross-curriculum tool to allow students to utilize and improve their math, science and reading skills."

Hitchcock also sees Amateur Radio as a valuable communication tool in times of emergencies and disasters. In addition, it plans to encourage school participation in the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station program, the School Club Roundup contest, foxhunting, DXing and other activities. Teacher Richard Kotrla, an ETP Teachers Institute alumnus, will oversee the program. He's working on obtaining his amateur license.

At Jefferson School, teacher James Ligman, WA9PEG, is looking to integrate Amateur Radio and wireless technology into the communications arts and science curricula. Ligman, who plans to include Morse code instruction as part of the school's program, believes the Amateur Radio program will help boost students' self esteem. Getting on the air "will allow all students, staff and visitors to experience the world-encompassing power of communication," he said in his school's application.

Mesa Linda Middle School has partnered with the Victor Valley Amateur Radio Club (K6QWR). The school is hoping its Amateur Radio program will promote interest in communication and related technology, as well as engage youngsters in public service and improve their abilities to learn by listening.

The school will implement its Amateur Radio course as an after-school program "dedicated to enriching students' overall knowledge of the world around them." Initially, Mesa Linda Middle School anticipates that up to 40 youngsters will take part in the program.

Progress Grants

Powell GT Magnet Elementary School, now in its second year as a "Big Project" school, is looking to add a pair of VHF/UHF satellite antennas with an az-el rotator to its station.

South Sevier High School wants to develop IRLP and EchoLink capability, learn to build their own VHF and UHF antennas and possibly establish a repeater. It's working to form the Sevier County Amateur Radio Club and revive interest in Amateur Radio throughout the wider community.

For more information, visit the ARRL Education and Technology Program Web page or contact ETP Coordinator Mark Spencer, WA8SME.

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