This is sent to both the ARRL Foundation Board and ARRL Board because I believe the information is of interest to both. As has been reported previously, ARDC, Amateur Radio Digital Communications, has significant funds to be used for Amateur Radio, and I have been working with them to hopefully have ARRL play a major role in fulfillment of their objectives that align with those of the ARRL. As has been reported recently, past ARDC president, Brian Cantor, WB6CYT, recently passed away, and Phil Karn, KA9Q, is the new president. Phil and I talked this week. We now have two proposed areas of initial interaction between ARDC and ARRL. These are preliminary concepts. They require more detailed definition and of course, acceptance by the ARRL or ARRL Foundation Board as appropriate, and also the ARDC Board before becoming final. 1) ARDC and ARRL Foundation - Enhancement of ARRL Foundation Scholarship Program. We propose that ARDC fund upgrading each of the existing ARRL Foundation scholarships to the $5,000 level. This will require interface with the sponsor of each scholarship to agree to the changes. Credit to ARDC should be given. The name of the scholarship might be changed to reflect ARDC's participation. For example, the Joe Smith Scholarship might be renamed the Joe Smith - ARDC Scholarship. Someone connected with the ARRL Foundation will have to look at the terms for each of the scholarships, and get in touch with the sponsors for approval. There has been talk in the Foundation Board about possibly getting hard to meet requirements changed. This might also present a convenient opportunity to change a geographic requirement to a geographic preference. ARDC appears to be comfortable with covering administrative costs associated with this program. The project concept is now forwarded to ARRL Foundation President, David Woolweaver, who will direct any further action. 2) ARDC and ARRL - Providing free user download copies of ARRL License Manuals We propose that ARDC cover the costs of providing the ability to download copies of the license manuals via the Internet without cost. ARDC would cover production costs plus some possible offset of lost sales revenue. In our initial discussions, the League would still be able to charge for printed copies if desired. This is expected to reduce the cost of entry in Amateur Radio. At this time, it is proposed to fund a single three-year License Manual cycle. The program might just initially a) fund the Technician class manual, or b) also the General class and possibly c) the Extra class manuals as well. Costs of providing the the three manuals should be provided. The final funding decision will be related to the costs. Again, this program requires more detailed definition, acceptance by ARRL management and/or Board, as well as final acceptance by the ARDC Board. This potential program is now forwarded to CEO Howard Michel, and Bob Inderbitzen, who has been designated to work on this type of activity. 3) ARDC is interested in funding other ham radio activity, particularly things related to education. The education can be for young people, leading to careers, or can be continuing education, advancing knowledge of technical aspects of communication. Phlil Karn and I have discussed other possibilities. We expect to continue our discussions. These potential programs obviously represent a significant amount of money, in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Let's see how we do with these starters. If anyone has comments or any other ideas, please let me know. Thanks. 73, Dick Norton, N6AA