The York County Amateur Radio Society receives $100,000 grant from the Amateur Radio Digital Communications Foundation

Rock Hill, SC - 10/10/2023 

The York County Amateur Radio Society (YCARS) announced that their Project Target grant proposal was successfully funded by the private foundation Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC).   YCARS’ Project Target encompasses several initiatives to help serve York County through education and public service.

“This grant will be a game-changer for the entire York County Community as it will help in three specific areas. First, it will provide funding to help educators and students in local educational institutions with STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education.  The grant will fund equipment, study materials and training to introduce students to the principles of wireless and radio communications, as well as their application in the real world.  Secondly, the grant also funds new communication assets that will allow YCARS to expand its auxiliary communication services to local and state Emergency Management and local first responders and provide radio communications to local charities for public service events.  Finally, the grant will help fund the construction of a remotely operated radio station at the YCARS facility.  This station can be used by local school amateur radio clubs and scouting troops, as well as licensed amateur radio operators who are now in assisted living facilities, or other situations where they can longer install and outdoor antenna.”  said Scott Putnam, KG9V, YCARS Secretary and manager for Project Target.

During the last two years YCARS provided radio communications for a variety of community service events in York County including Emergency Communication Exercises, the Mike Doty Memorial 5K, the Rock Hill Christmas Parade, and the No room for Racism Basketball Tournament.  YCARS members volunteered 1,255 hours of time while providing all of the radio equipment used totaling over $45,000 in radio communication services to the community.  

In addition, YCARS has engaged with schools in Mecklenburg County NC, Union and York counties in SC helping educators develop STEM curriculum and providing in class and out of classroom education for students.  We were instrumental in helping Pleasant Knoll Middle School in Fort Mill, submit a successful application to ARISS (Amateur Radio on the Internation Space Station) for a direct RF contact with the ISS.  This is an opportunity for the students to talk with the astronauts aboard the ISS via amateur radio, which will take place in April 2024.

Founded in 1948, York County Amateur Radio Society is the oldest continually operating radio club in the state of South Carolina. For 75 years YCARS’ mission has been to promote advancement of the art, science, public service, and fellowship of Amateur Radio. We accomplish our mission through education, mentorship and public service.  

Founded in 2011, Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) is a private foundation that exists to support amateur radio and digital communication science and technologies.  They accomplish this by providing grant funding to scholarship programs, research & development projects and managing 44net. https://www.ardc.net

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