Date: March 2026
Amount: $59,104

With an ARDC grant, Harbor Creek School District plans to build out a larger amateur radio program near Erie, Pennsylvania. The effort builds on the district’s existing student radio club, the Advanced Technologies Group, KC3SGV, which has already taken on major projects, including high-altitude ballooning and an ARISS contact featured on NBC’s Today show. (https://www.today.com/video/high-school-students-use-ham-radio-skills-to-contact-space-station-201408581756)

This project will help equip a new radio lab for wireless technology classes and the after-school club. The lab will use multiple HF stations, remote FlexRadio systems, antennas, and school-network connections so more students can get on the air at once. Some radios will be placed at other school buildings and operated from the high school radio lab, helping reduce interference between stations.

The goal is to give students regular HF operating time. They will be able to make contacts, try digital modes, test antennas, and take part in contests. Harbor Creek also plans to document the setup so other K-12 schools can see what a larger school-based amateur radio program can look like.