The world’s oldest wireless society has launched a new mentorship initiative to encourage youths to tap into wireless and STEM-related careers.
The Radio Club of America Mentorship Program will provide opportunities for young professionals to learn from the experiences of more seasoned RCA members. After completing an application to participate in the year-long program, interested members will be contacted by a mentorship committee and then matched with an appropriate mentor or mentee.
A set of guidelines for both mentors and mentees include setting a series of specific goals, defining expectations and honoring diversity, equity and inclusion in the program.
“RCA recognized that an important new value for our membership was to have our more experienced members provide help to members who were relatively new to the wireless industry,” said John Facella, RCA president.
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The organization has long focused on youth outreach. RCA’s 30-year-old Youth Activities program is designed to interest middle and high school students in STEM subjects through the use of amateur radio. The organization’s college scholarship program works with those studying engineering and wireless-related disciplines. And the co-sponsored Young Professionals program works to support individuals under 30.
The history of the Radio Club of America is a long one. On Jan. 2, 1909, a few teenage radio experimenters came together, at the behest of local inventor E. Lillian Todd, to host the first meeting of the Junior Wireless Club. Since then, the organization has worked to bring together professionals from every segment of the wireless industry, including broadband, broadcasting, microwave, public safety, transportation and towers.
