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RCA now accepting Scholarship applications! Apply Today!
Up to six scholarships from the three below named funds will be given annually, ranging from $1,000 - $5,000.
Deadline for submissions is June 30, 2026. Scholarships will be distributed by August 31, 2026.


The Radio Club of America proudly offers three distinguished scholarships supporting the next generation of wireless professionals.

To be considered, applicants must submit a completed and signed application along with at least two letters of reference from a teacher, employer, or RCA member, and demonstrate a clear commitment to a career in the wireless industry.


The Ted Rappaport Scholarship honors RCA member Dr. Theodore Rappaport, widely regarded as the “father of 5G,” and provides annual funding to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing studies in the field.

The Vivian Carr Scholarship celebrates the legacy of  RCA Fellow (in addition to RCA’s first ever female member and first female president) Vivian Carr, with a focus on supporting individuals from underrepresented backgrounds who are pursuing careers in wireless and related technologies.

The Marty Cooper Scholarship recognizes the pioneering contributions of RCA member Marty Cooper, known as the father of the handheld mobile phone, and supports students studying wireless communications and engineering. To be considered, applicants must submit a completed and signed application along with at least two letters of reference from a teacher, employer, or RCA member, and demonstrate a clear commitment to a career in the wireless industry.


Scholarship Funds

Probably the most important mission of the Radio Club of America is our focus on the FUTURE of the Wireless Industry.  


We do that at several levels:
  • At the middle school and high school level
  • At the college/university level

Our RCA Scholarship Program has supported students for decades, awarding funds each year to those studying engineering, broadcasting, and related fields across the U.S. Scholarships are distributed to participating schools each May, helping ease the growing cost of tuition while supporting the next generation of wireless innovators, engineers, and industry leaders.

Participating schools include: Capitol Technology University, Cooper Union, Georgia Tech, Michigan Technological University, Montclair State University, North Dakota State University, State University of New York, Virginia Tech, and the University of Texas.

Students: RCA does not select individual recipients. If you attend one of the participating schools, apply directly through your university to be considered for an RCA scholarship.


Below is a list of the different Scholarship Funds and how they originated. Each of these organizations has procedures in place to award 100% of the Club’s grants to specific college students in need of tuition assistance.

  • The Barone-DiBlasi-Facella Fund was established by the Barone, DiBlasi, and Facella families to honor the memory of Sal Barone, RCA Fellow, and John DiBlasi, RCA Fellow and former RCA Treasurer and RCA Vice President.
  • The Biggs Fund was established by his widow in memory of member and Fellow Biggs.
  • The Brownson Fund was established by Bernie Brownson.
  • The Buller Fund was established in 2006 by Eileen Buller in memory of her husband, Patrick Buller.
  • The Dettra Fund was established by John Dettra, an RCA Director for more than 35 years and Chair of the RCA Scholarship funds for several decades
  • The Finch Grant-In-Aid Fund: The scholarship funds were started in the early 80’s by Captain Bill Finch (USN). He put in a lump sum and the Finch Grant-In-Aid fund was created.
  • The Grebe Fund was started by Alfred Grebe II in memory of his father.
  • The Gunther Fund was started by Robert Gunther for Frank Gunther.
  • The Link Fund was established in memory of Fred Link
  • The Meyer Fund was established in honor of Stuart Meyer
  • The Meyerson Fund was established in honor of Lou Meyerson.
  • The Poppele Fund was established in memory of Jack Poppele and Bill Endres by the Poppele family
  • The Somers Fund was established by Richard Somers for his devotion to the Club.

How to Establish a Scholarship Fund

If you would like to establish a Scholarship Fund, either in memory of someone or in honor of someone, please contact the RCA Scholarship Chair Alan Spindel at scholarships@radioclubofamerica.org.