The Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association (CAARA) has been named the recipient of a $25,000 grant from the ARRL Foundation to develop a robust STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education offering for radio amateurs and residents in the community it serves.According to CAARA president Brandon Hockle, NQ1W, “We will use the funds to modernize the presentation and training space of our Stanwood Street clubhouse along the Annisquam river in Gloucester MA, including upgrading our classroom projector, public address system for teachers, electronics workstations, soldering irons, training computers, usb oscilloscopes, Arduinos, and more. The grant will also enhance accessibility to the clubhouse for our mobility-impaired members and attendees.”
Hockle says the CAARA board of directors will meet on Sept 24, 2022 to discuss the plans with the membership.
“We are excited to provide multiple free monthly classes for hams looking to earn or upgrade their license, for students wishing to learn about microcontrollers like Arduino, introductory electronics, and other topics.”
“It is our sincere hope that we can use these fun and popular courses to entice new hams to get their licenses, allow older hams to mentor and train new hams, and generally increase the enthusiasm and engagement of people on our community with radio and electronics,” he adds.
“We can’t wait to show the community what great service CAARA can provide, thanks to the generosity of the ARRL. We cannot thank them and all the ARRL members enough for providing this program of funding for clubs.”