Building tomorrow’s cyber defense workforce is not only a critical national priority, but a global one. Seeing the gap of 1.8 million shortfall in cybersecurity professionals over the next five years, Diane Miller, Director of Global Cyber Education and Workforce Development at Northrop Grumman is committed to inspire youth toward careers in cybersecurity.
Giving hands-on experience
A highlight of her work is leading the hands-on STEM initiative, the National Youth Cyber Education Program called CyberPatriot,conceived by the Air Force Association (AFA) and presented by the Northrop Grumman Foundation. The program answers a critical global need to build a diverse pipeline of qualified cyber defenders to address the growing threat from cyberspace.
The program features the National Youth Cyber Defense Competition for high school and middle school-aged youth, Cyber Camps and an Elementary School Education initiative. Now in its tenth season, the CyberPatriot competition is open to all high schools, middle schools, accredited home school programs, and youth organizations around the country such as JROTC units, scouting troops, Boys & Girls Clubs, and more.
"CyberPatriot is truly answering a national imperative to build a diverse, highly-skilled cyber workforce to defend and protect our digital domain," comments Diane.
Getting a head start
In 2013, the competition expanded to include a middle school division and in 2014, Northrop Grumman partnered with Cyber Security Challenge UK to launch CyberPatriot in the UK, known as CyberCenturion.
After numerous requests from educators for post-season programming, CyberPatriot piloted the AFA CyberCamp Program in summer 2014. Through the CyberCamp program, schools and other educational organizations are able to order curriculum and competition kits to use to engage participants in cybersecurity education throughout the year.
“CyberPatriot is inspiring youth, early-on, from a diversity of locations, educational experiences and backgrounds to get excited about academics and careers in this much-needed field," explains Diane.
Laying foundations for digital protection
Northrop Grumman Foundation has served as presenting sponsor of CyberPatriot since 2010. During this period, this exciting youth cyber defense competition has grown by more than 745 percent nationwide. A key focus for CyberPatriot is the development of “life skills” such as leadership, collaboration, communications and teamwork – all attributes highly valued in the professional workforce.
Interested in a career in cyber security?
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