ARCHIVE – YOUNG LEADERS IN TECH 05-04-2021

School closures amidst COVID-19 have exposed massive digital inequity.

A lack of access, hardware, basic computer skills, and readiness to learn remotely widens the achievement gap.

1 in 12 kids have exchanged messages with strangers that were sexual in nature.

1 in 20 children will meet strangers online and then arrange a secret meeting with them.

58% of teens don’t think posting personal information online is unsafe.

92% of teens post their real name on their online profiles.

Among families with school-age children, 25% of all black households and 23% of Hispanic households lack high-speed internet.

Only 10% of white households with school children lack high-speed internet access.

42% of children between the ages of 6-17 say they’ve been exposed to hardcore pornography while browsing online.

1 in 25 kids ages 6-17 say they have sent graphic photographs of themselves online at least once.

Introductions to careers in cyber security cannot wait until college. Pipelines for a diverse workforce start with childen.

1/4 of the young respondents in a Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency survey stated they did not feel qualified to pursue a career in cybersecurity.
Yet 47% said they would have an increased interest in the field if they learned more about what the job actually entailed.

About 50% of young people have experienced some form of cyber bullying, and 10-20% experience it regularly.

Cyber bullying victims are more likely to have low self esteem and to consider suicide.

Lack of online learning skills during COVID-19 challege the entire family.

Parents take on the role of teachers, but often are not prepared to guide their children in e-learning.

Parents and teachers who don't know about cyber security careers cannot inform students adequately.

Professional experts who provide career information through virtual and live presentations and mentorships allow high school students, especially those who lack career resources, to explore the cyber security field in a real life forum.

Their Need

The digital divide is not a new concept. However, with the global COVID-19 pandemic closing schools around the world, online inequities have been exposed even further. Families face the critical issue of the “homework gap” which further widens the digital divide of the haves and have-nots. OIT programs address the very prevalent issue of skill-set deficiency and cyber safety factors as children are now required to begin e-learning.

Our comprehensive approach addresses another critical need – building pipelines and pathways for a diverse workforce in cyber security. As a prelude to our professional adult programs, we introduce under-represented populations to career opportunities in cyber security, launching a pipeline for a diverse workforce in the digital world.

Listen to the podcast as One In Tech and our collaborator Bits N’ Bytes Cybersecurity Education discuss the issues facing all students due to e-learning needs created by Covid-19.

Listen

Our Focus

Young Leaders In Tech prepares the next generation to be healthy digital citizens. We serve under-resourced, disenfranchised children with the knowledge and skills to help them avoid online risks, build e-learning skills, and explore career pathways into the cyber security field.

The program is informed by a youth Junior Advisory Board which advises and provides input on all youth initiative, ensuring relevant, applicable content. In addition, cyber security professionals across the world offer their volunteerism to support the career exploration to help build a diverse future workforce.

Young Leaders In Tech works to ensure the common barriers blocking equity are addressed so that youth will serve as the building blocks of a safe, knowledgeable, innovative, and inclusive digital future.

 

Gender

Educational Level

Race

Socioeconomic Status

Our Initiatives

Young Leaders In Tech is a suite of online and in-person K-12 (5 – 18 yers old)  educational initiatives. These initiatives are designed to support all young students as they navigate cyber space and explore careers in cyber security. They include a series of online mini-courses, videos, webinars, one-on-one support, and resources. Initiatives will present insightful, relevant, and information designed to ensure youth are included in developing the future of IT.

Program areas include:

  • Pathways, education, and resources for cyber security careers
  • Personal cyber safety awareness and online safety skills
  • E-learning resources and skill set development
  • Insight and inclusion of youth in cyber security conversations and development
  • Participation of all youth in the cyber world

CYBERSLEUTHS

Now Open for Registration

Online curriculum and presentations offering instruction in cyber safety and security and user skills. User-friendly, age-appropriate educational experiences offering tips, techniques, and resources within ttese areas:

  • Personal safety and responsibility while e-learning and social online usage
  • E-learning and successesful online use of technology within education
  • Career exploration in cyber security and related fields
  • Supplemental  Video Series provides cyber security basic skills with short, youth-developed videos
  • SCHOOL-BREAK CYBER SERIES offering programs, resources, and opportunties for learning during time periods when school is often out of session

Learn More

PATHWAYS VIDEO SERIES 

 Launched 2021

Offering career exploration, these videos are presented by youth and cyber security professionals via live and recorded videos, webinars, and virtual events, the material is designed to build interest and pathways for under-represented youth into cyber careers. Resulting impacts will include building the future tech workforce pipeline. Includes:

  • Detailed exploration of specific roles and positions in cyber security
  • Tips and guidance in preparing for and entering the cyber career space.
  • Subject-specific topics within cyber security such as ethics, data collection, virutal human care services, and commerce

Learn More

MENTORSHIPS

Pilot Launhed in 2021

With a model of matching professional cyber security professionals and educators to youth, this initiative leads students exploration in the many roles within cyber security, building the future tech workforce pipeline. Currently in a pilot phase through a non-profit partnership, the initiative will scale up for larger impact. Includes: 

  •  One-on-one virtual meetings dicussing interests and direction
  • Job shadowing opportunities
  • Guidance on future educational options to prepare for career opportunties
  • Mentor-Mentee networking events to build discussions, support systems, and resources

    EDUCATION RESOURCE CENTER

    Launches 2021

    Providing materials, information, coursework, and connections designed to assist in preparing  commonly under-resourced students for post-secondary education with a cybersecurity focus:

    • College and post-secondary information
    • Guidance in identifying and applying for summer sessions, bootcamps, and other opportunities through OIT’s partners and collaborators
    • Opportunities for certificates and courses via OIT-ISACA partnerships

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    LEGAL
    Articles of Incorporation
    Bylaws
    Privacy Policy
    Terms of Use

    COMMUNICATION
    Contact Us

    TAKE ACTION
    Donate
    Volunteer
    Subscribe