From the Santa Barbara Amateur Radio Club
The Santa Barbara Amateur Radio Club and the Santa Barbara Wireless Foundation are pleased to announce the recipient of their annual scholarship, awarded to an outstanding senior from a local high school who is pursuing a college education in the fields of science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM).
Mateo Olin Ferreira, a graduate of the Orcutt Academy Charter High Schoolwas awarded the 2024 scholarship on Monday, June 3, at the Santa Barbara Courthouse. Ferreira is expected to graduate with a 4.0 grade point average and plans to earn initial credits at Allan Hancock College before transferring to California State University, Long Beach to pursue a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with a minor in business administration.
Ferreira is an Eagle Scout in Troop 87, leader of the tenor saxophone section, football player and referee, and a Catholic altar boy. He plans to continue his education with summer internships to gain hands-on experience in his field and wants to contribute to the advancement of green energy production.
Brian Milburn, president of the Santa Barbara Amateur Radio Club and the Santa Barbara Wireless Foundation, and Levi C. Maaia, Ph.D., board member and chair of the scholarship committee, presented Ferreira with a certificate and a financial aid award to support his college expenses.
“Our goal is to ensure that more students choose academic and professional paths in the fields of science and technology,” Milburn said. “Mateo is well positioned for success with his plan to attend a community college and then Cal State Long Beach.”
Ferreira is the most recent recipient of this scholarship, which is awarded annually in June. Applicants must be high school graduates in Santa Barbara, Ventura or San Luis Obispo counties who plan to study science, technology, engineering or mathematics. Applicants should demonstrate excellent academic record. Although it is not a requirement, preference is given to applicants who hold a valid FCC amateur radio license.
Donations to the scholarship fund and applications from members of the class of 2025 can be submitted at scholarships.sbwireless.org.
The Santa Barbara Wireless Foundation, along with the Santa Barbara Amateur Radio Club, is a nonprofit, community service organization that develops and supports wireless telecommunications technologies in support of public safety, emergency communications, community service, and scientific research in the Santa Barbara region. For more information, visit www.sbarc.org and www.sbwireless.org.
