The Quarter Century Wireless Association (QCWA) and the Radio Club of America (RCA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work together on a number of mutually beneficial future endeavors, including efforts to promote career interest in the wireless industry by young people.

“The QCWA believes this MOU will open many opportunities for mutual collaboration between our organizations,” QCWA President Ken Oelke, VE6AFO, said. “One endeavor will be to increase youth interest in careers in the wireless industry, using Amateur Radio as an entry point. We are excited to partner with RCA.”

RCA President Tim Duffy, K3LR, credited RCA Directors John Facella, K9FJ, and Carole Perry, WB2MGP — also a QCWA Board member — for seeing the potential in this partnership. “Both organizations have an interest in getting youth involved in wireless, and both organizations have a deep respect for the history of the wireless industry,” he said.

The QCWA was formed in 1947 as a result of a roundtable discussion on 10 meters among a group of New York City radio amateurs who had seen the evolution of wireless from the early days of spark transmitters. The organization has evolved into a world-wide association of radio amateurs, with thousands of members. Its purpose is to promote friendship and cooperation among radio amateurs licensed for at least 25 years, as well as to encourage interest in Amateur Radio communication and the advancement of the electronic art. The organization provides a scholarship fund for worthy students who are radio amateurs.

The Radio Club of America, founded in 1909, is the oldest, most prestigious group of wireless communications professionals in the world and is dedicated to the wireless art and science for the betterment of society.