Neil Rapp WB9VPG is amateur radio’s original prodigy—and one of its most effective modern mentors. At age five, Neil became the youngest person ever to earn an FCC ham license, a novelty that landed him in the National Enquirer and on the cover of international ham radio magazines. But celebrity wasn’t the point. The point was code, conversation, and community. And Neil has spent a lifetime making sure the next generation of hams can find all three. As a high school chemistry teacher, Neil infused radio into the curriculum, making the electromagnetic spectrum tangible—and contagious. He also built a thriving afterschool program where kids spun the dial, called CQ, and taught each other. That peer-to-peer ethos now defines Youth on the Air (YOTA) in the Americas, where Neil serves as camp director. Instead of lectures, campers lead. Instead of stars, YOTA cultivates satellites—young operators who can teach, inspire, and run the show. This episode covers the origins of YOTA in North America, how camps rotate between countries like Canada, the U.S., and potentially Argentina, and what it costs (spoiler: $100). We also meet the backbone of the organization: former campers now running ops, building websites, managing QSL cards, and even directing the camp’s future. “I'm working hard to put myself out of a job,” Neil says. He means it. And it shows. Join the conversation and subscribe to Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio.
Bravo! Can't say enough good things about this effort and the talent behind it! Exceptional. Results matter.
Told you this in Huntsville but will repeat publicly…you’ve made a very significant impact, OM. So happy to see this recognition coming your way!
I have a new book release on September 5, Eighth Dimension - Frequency, that has a lot of ham radio and CW in it. Here is a link to learn more about my book and desire to reach young people with CW and ham radio.https://arrl-nfl.org/2025/08/25/ham-radio-eighth-dimension-frequency/
I met you and your family several times in Vincennes, IN, Steve Sage SK and a few other hams worked at Vincennes Steel Corp. (Wabash Steel). Passed my ham/code tests there, I was a Novice for three whole days when I took and passed my Technician Exam. Glad your life seems to be good, I retired from the State of Illinois about 9 years ago, I last traveled to Wabash Steel over 12-13 years ago. I was the State Lead Inspector for Illinois DOT I performed 3rd party inspections of fabricated wide flange beams, welded girders etc. for use on Illinois highway bridges. My wife the newspaper reporter is retired, check out her website edithbradylunny.com she's a DAR Regent and I joined the SAR last year. Later Cal de N9IUA
