HBCUs on the Air (HOTA)

Organizing site for HOTA

Mission/Vision

To connect all Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominately Black Institutions (PBIs), worldwide, with amateur radio for the advancement of education, radio science, emergency communication, culture, opportunity, and knowledge sharing.

This project helps colleges and universities:

Provide practical, hands-on STEM, STEMM, and STEAM experiences with the Electromagnetic Spectrum, electronics, and wireless technology

Provide career-building opportunities in research and development, entrepreneurship, and engineering.

Provide opportunities for cross-generational knowledge sharing and mentoring.

Provide community support and resources for campuses to set up self-sustaining clubs--including training, testing, and station construction.

Provide the training and resources to help schools develop resilient communication and networks for mutual aid and recovery from weather, technical, terrorist, power failure, Internet failure or other emergencies

Provide opportunities to practice durable skills such as building social skills, team work, critical and design thinking, leadership, project management, and resilient STEM identities.

What is amateur radio?

The amateur spirit

This video captures the essence of the amateur radio spirit: curiosity, continuous learning, hands-on exploration, confidence building, goal setting, and good will across cultural and geographic boundaries.

It's more than a hobby

"Amateur Radio, also known as “ham radio,” is a popular service and hobby that enables so many activities - from public service, to scientific experimentation, to sheer fun."

Why OMIK is leading this project

OMIK had it's beginnings at Wilberforce College, now Central State University--an Historically Black University:

Llewellyn Scearce, W8TKE, of Detroit, Michigan, inspired the hams that he knew to take steps to form a regional association of black hams within the states of Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Kentucky. Lawrence D. Sallee, W8ZAW, promoted a meeting of eleven hams in the on-campus home of Henry Garcia, an instructor at Wilberforce College, now Central State University, near Dayton, Ohio. Thus the first meeting of this association was held.

Potential new radio amateurs and members
Provides opportunities for cross-generational knowledge sharing and mentoring--including learning about what interests students
International Emergency communications during weather, technical, or other emergencies
Connection with alumni, students, and friends of HBCUs
Opportunities to be of service to HBCUs

How will we do this?

Regular nets open to those licensed and those not yet licensed.
Technical and organizational support for starting or reactivating Amateur Radio clubs on HBCU campuses.
Demonstrations on campus scheduled with students, faculty, and advisors: Mesh communications, Satellite communications, basic electronics, RF communications theory.
Annual QSO party with alumni and friends of HBCUs and share their experiences and love for the HBCU community. (suggested QSO exchange: Callsign, University, years attended, D9 affiliation (optional), Department/School.)

When

HBCU Yardnet at Saturdays at NEW TIME 2pm eastern/18:00 UTC:
- First 15-30 minutes licensed amateurs meet and greet: on Discord QSO Voice channel. Only amateurs will be able to participate so make sure your name includes your callsign.
- Remainder of the hour: HOTA business meeting: Anyone can join us via the Zoom conference Meeting ID 812 4356 8803/Password Quad2026
Annual QSO party: the Saturday closest to March 14, 1902 birthday of William B. Gould, (1NP / W1NP / K2MP) the first African American licensed Radio Amateur in the world and PI Day - International Day of Mathematics. There's bonus points for operating on an HBCU campus.