High School Students from Across California are Competing in a Statewide Cybersecurity Challenge Hosted by the State
Sacramento, Calif. –As part of California’s continued leadership in cybersecurity and workforce development, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) today announced the 2017 California Cyber Innovation Challenge scheduled for June 24th and 25th. The statewide competition will feature 16 teams of high school students competing at the new California Cyber Training Complex in San Luis Obispo, CA.
“The California Cyber Innovation Challenge helps identify the next generation of cyber innovators and connects them with potential employers and academic leaders before they even leave high school,” said Panorea Avdis, Director of GO-Biz. “GO-Biz is proud to host the event along with our partners at Cal Poly and we look forward to a robust competition that brings out the best in our students.”
Earlier this month, Cal Poly held the grand opening for the California Cyber Training Complex (CCTC), a new cyber education center and collaboration space at the California National Guard’s Camp in San Luis Obispo.
“In addition to the CCTC’s cyber forensics mission, a key focus is providing hands-on learning opportunities for the next generation of cyber defenders.” said Cal Poly Cybersecurity Center Director William J. “Bill” Britton. “Being a part of the Innovation Challenge is big step towards realizing that goal.”
In the coming months, teams of high school students from across California will compete in timed cybersecurity challenges designed to replicate the many different threats that cybersecurity professionals face, from attacks on critical infrastructure to attempted breaches of consumer data on connected devices. The winners of designated regional cybersecurity competitions will earn automatic entry to the statewide tournament in San Luis Obispo. In addition, the competition organizers are soliciting applications from other high school cybersecurity competition teams to ensure that more students have access to the challenge.
“These competitions help students learn more about technology career pathways, not just in cybersecurity, but also in other advanced technology industries and as entrepreneurs.” said Louis Stewart, Deputy Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at GO-Biz. “Through this competition students in California are learning that their skills might translate to a career at a tech company, as a chief technology officer with the government, or starting their own cybersecurity business.”
GO-Biz is leading the California Cyber Innovation Challenge with the CyberCalifornia coalition, a collection of businesses, state agencies, and educational partners dedicated to reinforcing California’s leadership position in cybersecurity. The California Workforce Development Board provided the seed funding for this event and for last year’s successful demonstration event, held at Sacramento City College. Other coalition leaders include the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, the Department of Technology, the California Military Department, the Los Angeles Unified School District and California Polytechnic University San Luis Obispo.
To attend the free California Cyber Innovation Challenge, please Register .
High schools interested in joining the competition can email GO-Biz to learn more about the qualifying process.
About Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Cal Poly is a nationally ranked, four-year, comprehensive public university located in San Luis Obispo, halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles on California’s Central Coast. It’s a distinctive learning community offering academically focused students a hands-on educational experience that prepares them for today’s scientific and technical world. Cal Poly is consistently ranked a top university for academics, value, and graduate’s salaries.
About GO-Biz
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) serves as the State of California’s leader for job growth and economic development efforts. GO-Biz offers a range of services to business owners including: attraction, retention and expansion services, site selection, permit streamlining, clearing of regulatory hurdles, small business assistance, international trade development, assistance with state government, and much more. For more information visit, www.business.ca.gov.
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