Questions and Answers about FAR Scholarships (2005)

Questions and Answers about FAR Scholarships

The Foundation For Amateur Radio (FAR) has been administering scholarships on behalf of FAR and other sponsors since 1961. The sponsors set the requirements for the scholarships; the Foundation's Scholarship Committee advertises the scholarships, prepares and distributes the applications, reviews the applications, meets in person to discuss the applicants and award the scholarships, and distributes the awards. The FAR Scholarship Committee is comprised of active amateur radio operators who volunteer their time and personally read every application.

The Scholarship Committee often receives questions about the FAR Scholarships program. Here are some common questions asked by prospective sponsors, volunteers, and applicants.

PART 1 - QUESTIONS FROM PROSPECTIVE SPONSORS

Q. I would like to sponsor a scholarship, but I don't have the time to come to Washington every year and participate in the Committee. Can the Committee handle the process for me?

A. Once the sponsor sets the requirements and funds the award, the FAR Scholarship Committee does the rest. We review each application against the requirements to ensure that the applicant satisfies them (for example, lives in the desired State or is studying the right courses.) We then rate the qualified applicants to determine the best-qualified applicant for the award.

Not only need the sponsor not participate, but Charitable Gift Fund users should note that at least one Charitable Gift Fund (Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund) requires that the sponsor not be an active part of the award process.

Q. A member of our club passed away this year. We would like to remember him with a scholarship. Our members contributed $1500. Is this enough?

A. There are two ways that FAR can handle the donation. We can offer a one-time scholarship of $1500 in memory of the club's silent key. Alternately, we can deposit the donation into the Foundation's Silent Key memorial fund. The income generated by the donation will help to support the Foundation's Silent Key memorial scholarships.

If the contribution amount were larger but not large enough to endow a scholarship, your club would also have the option to offer a yearly scholarship that would continue until the principal is exhausted.

Q. I don't want to sponsor a scholarship, but I do want to make a contribution to the program. What should I do?

A. Thanks for thinking of FAR scholarships. Please send a check to FAR Scholarships at Post Office Box 831, Riverdale, MD 20738. We will send you a letter acknowledging your contribution.

The Foundation For Amateur Radio, Inc. is incorporated in the District of Columbia as a non-profit organization representing several amateur radio clubs in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia. It is devoted exclusively to scientific, literary and educational pursuits that advance the purposes of the Amateur Radio Service. The Internal Revenue Service has determined that it qualifies as a 501(c)(3) organization and has issued Tax ID #526049592. Contributions to the Foundation may be tax-deductible.

Unless you tell us otherwise, we will add your contribution to the Foundation's Silent Key Memorial Fund.

Q. I'm considering leaving the FAR some assets through my will to provide funds for a scholarship. Can the Foundation assist me (e.g. making sure that the correct language is used) in making sure that this is done properly?

A. The Foundation will provide you with a legal description of the Foundation and proof of tax-exempt status. However, as each State has different requirements for wills, we suggest that you consult with a local attorney to be sure that your own State's requirements are met.

Q. I (or my club) am interested in sponsoring a scholarship. Who should I contact?

A. If you would like to sponsor a scholarship, or would like additional information, please contact Diane Zimmerman AA3OF at aa3of@arrl.net, or by telephone at 301-937-0394.

Q. How much do I have to contribute to endow a named scholarship on a continuing basis?

A. As a general rule, a contribution of $30,000 is sufficient to endow a $1,000 scholarship.

Q. Can a scholarship be funded either by a one-time contribution or a yearly basis?

A. Both methods of funding are available to sponsors.

Q. Is there a minimum amount for a scholarship?

A. We ask that sponsors establish scholarships at the $1,000 or greater level. The cost of a college education can be greater than $50,000 per year for Ivy League schools. Community College tuition and books will cost several thousand dollars per year. We want to see scholarships set at a level that will make a notable difference in a student's ability to attend the school of choice.

The Foundation does administer some scholarships at the $500 level, and will continue to do so for current sponsors.

PART 2 - QUESTIONS FROM PROSPECTIVE VOLUNTEERS

Q. I'd like to volunteer to help the Committee. What can I do to help?

A. Openings on the scholarship committee occur from time to time, and we are anxious to hear from anyone who feels they may be qualified. Committee members must have extensive amateur experience and demonstrated dedication to the hobby. Our members are active in a variety of modes and activities, including contesting, Dx-ing, ARES/RACES, teaching, VE testing, and experimenting. Bonus qualifications are membership in a sponsoring club, knowledge of the college admissions process, skills with Microsoft Excel or service as a Club FAR Representative.

Work for the Committee is "seasonal." In the fall, the Committee meets to review the application form and make any changes. Shortly thereafter, the Committee mails out the annual press releases to several hundred amateur radio clubs and organizations. In early to mid June, the Committee meets to review the applications and make the awards. Committee members also do reference checks on each prospective winner and call each winner in person to verify school plans and offer the award. The Committee prepares many letters -- to each winner and sponsor, to applicants who did not win, and to various news media. Committee members mail checks to the winners via certified mail with return receipt.

If you would like to volunteer, please contact Diane Zimmerman AA3OF at aa3of@arrl.net or at (301) 937-0394.

Q. I don't have the time to serve as a committee member. Can I volunteer to help on an "as needed" basis.

A. Thanks for asking! The Committee has mailing projects in the fall and again in the summer. If you are able to devote time to folding letters, stuffing envelopes, and preparing certified mail paperwork, the Committee can use your services. Please contact Diane Zimmerman AA3OF at aa3of@arrl.net.

PART 3 - QUESTIONS FROM PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS

Q. Is being a licensed amateur radio operator a requirement for all scholarships?

A. All of the scholarships administered by FAR require that applicants be licensed amateur radio operators.

Q. Is there any other requirement that applies to all scholarships?

A. Applicants must be enrolled at, or accepted for enrollment at, an accredited post-secondary school.

Q. How can I apply for a FAR Scholarship?

A. During the winter season, 2005-2006, write to the Committee at:

We will send you an application form and a copy of the award regulations for the coming year's scholarships. Please read the regulations carefully, and provide the specific information needed for each scholarship for which you plan to apply. For example, the QCWA and the 10-10 International Net scholarships require signatures from a club member. Please also note any minimum license class, residency requirements and preferences for courses of study.

Return your completed application to the FAR Scholarship Committee post office box by June 1, 2006.

Q. I don't have HF privileges. Are there any scholarships for which I can qualify?

A. Yes, many of the scholarships are available to Technician class licensees. The FAR Silent Key, the QCWA, the YLRL, the CARA, the BARC, the Tropical Hamboree, the West Allis, the Murgas and the Haring are just some of the scholarships that are available to Technician applicants.

Q. I'm in graduate school. Do I qualify for any of the scholarships?

A. While most of the scholarships are limited to applicants seeking undergraduate degrees, there are some that may be awarded to graduate students. These include the QCWA scholarships, the YLRL, the 10-10, the West Allis, the Norrie, the Free State, the Ozaukee, and the Haring.

Q. Do I have a reasonable chance of winning a scholarship?

A. Applicants have a very good chance of winning a scholarship. In 2005, over half of the applicants who applied, won a scholarship.

Q. Is there anything that I can do to improve my chances of winning a scholarship?

A. Study! Applicants who win scholarships tend to have high SAT scores and high grade point averages. Become active in the amateur community. Applicants who win scholarships tend to be involved with their local amateur communities. They belong to amateur radio clubs and participate in community service activities such as ARES, Skywarn, and providing communications support for local parades, races and other activities. Our winners usually come from middle-income families.

Q. Some of the scholarships require signatures of recommendation. I don't know anyone who is a member of those clubs. What should I do?

A. The Chichester scholarship requires a signature from an officer of an ARRL-affiliated club. Odds are that your local amateur radio club is an ARRL-affiliated club. Stop by the next meeting and introduce yourself.

The 10-10 International Net and the QCWA scholarships require signature of recommendation from club members. 10-10 International Net members can self-recommend, but QCWA members must obtain signatures from QCWA members who are not related to them. Both QCWA and 10-10 are large organizations with members across the country. Your local amateur radio club probably has members who belong to one or both of these organizations. Getting involved with a local amateur radio club will give you the opportunity to meet people who can recommend you for these scholarships.

Q. Will you call the people who I list as references?

A. The committee contacts references for each prospective winner, once we have decided to make an award pending reference check. So if one of your references mentions that we called, that's a good sign.

Please make sure your references know that you are using them as references and have agreed to give you a reference. I will never forget the time I called a reference, identified myself as being with the FAR Scholarship Committee, and in reply I was told "I'm not interested" and the person hung up on me.

Q. Can I apply for more than one of the scholarships?

A. Please apply for every scholarship for which you consider yourself qualified. The Committee will only consider you for the scholarships for which you specifically apply.

Q. Can I be selected as a winner of more than one of the scholarships?

A. The practice to date has been that each winner is awarded only one scholarship.

Q. Will my school be notified if I win one of your scholarships? Will they take away some of the financial aid that I am getting from them directly?

A. The Foundation awards the scholarships directly to the students. The Foundation will not contact your school. You should review your school's financial aid requirements on this matter. If the school requires you to report all scholarships, you will be responsible for making the report.

Q. If I don't win one of your scholarships, will you tell me why so I might be able to improve my application the next time around?

A. There's usually not one "reason why" an applicant does not win a scholarship. An earlier question addressed the characteristics of typical scholarship winners. Sometimes, it is a matter of luck and timing that determines whether an applicant will be ranked highly enough to win. It is normal that an applicant may win an award one year yet not win the next year. For example, one year a winner might be one of a few applicants for a scholarship with a residence requirement, but the next year, more applicants from that geographic area may apply.

Q. What are the amounts of the scholarships?

A. The scholarships range in amount from $500 to $2500.

Q. Are there restrictions on how the scholarship money is used?

A. The Foundation will issue your scholarship as a check made out to you. The funds may be used for any expense relating to your college education.

Q. When will I hear if I have been awarded a scholarship?

A. The Committee will notify you by telephone in the June-July timeframe. Checks are sent via certified mail in July.

Q. Is there a web site that gives information?

A. The Foundation's web site URL is: http://www.amateurradio-far.org/.