PARC was first started by students at the University of Pittsburgh to provide a community for students who are interested in Amateur Radio. PARC has provided students for many years with a place to congregate and a place to learn about the technology, the techniques, and the events of the Amateur Radio world.

Over the years, PARC has also taken part in multiple contests and has made a very successful effort to make contact with other Hams around the world. As a result of the efforts, PARC has been honored with multiple awards. Below is a list of the awards PARC has won:

• WPX Mixed Award for making contact with over 400 radio stations in different geographical areas
• The ARRL Operating Achievement Award for making contact with a radio station in each U.S. State
• International Amateur Radio Union Award for making contact with a radio station in each of the six recognized continental areas
• Editors of CQ Magazine Award for making contact with a radio station in each of the forty radio zones
• DX Century Club Award for making contact with radio stations in over 100 different countries