The sale of a vintage Collins transmitter has made it possible for a Connecticut Amateur Radio club to fund a seat for a future ARRL Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology participant. The ARRL-affiliated Chippens Repeater Association/Bristol Radio Club (CRA/BRC) donated the money it realized from the sale of the old transmitter to cover the League’s cost of providing the opportunity for an educator at a Teachers Institute session. As part of its educational outreach to schools through the Education & Technology Program, the League each summer offers multiple expenses-paid Teachers Institute sessions at locations throughout the US.

“We have decided to fund a seat in the Teachers Institute program, since we believe that teachers bringing Amateur Radio and wireless technology into their classrooms and exposing their students to STEM lessons would be an excellent use of the money,” CRA/BRC Treasurer Bill Flaherty, W1GY, told ARRL Development Manager Lauren Clarke, KB1YDD, in a letter accompanying the club’s check for $2000. Clarke said the League greatly appreciates the club members’ thoughtful and generous support.

“The Teachers Institute program, started by ARRL staff members and key volunteers in 2000, has grown into one of ARRL’s cornerstones programs,” said Clarke. “Applicants far exceed the number of available spots every year. By sponsoring a ‘seat’ at a future Teachers Institute, the CRA/BRC is giving a teacher a very special opportunity to teach Amateur Radio and wireless technology and to engage students in STEM-related lessons.”

According to Flaherty, the club received an offer of $2000 for the Collins transmitter, which was not working and in poor condition and once had been used in the Bristol Radio Club’s ham shack. “We decided to accept the offer, since the promise was made that the transmitter will be restored to its original condition and used on the air,” Flaherty explained. “Our Board of Directors felt that this money should not just go into our treasury but should be used to further the cause of Amateur Radio.”

Flaherty said the club hoped the donation would “help inspire future students to become radio amateurs.”