OutreachMAD 2.0 Project

The OutreachMAD 2.0 Project, funded by the Talent Ready Grant, builds on over a decade of outreach spearheaded by Dr. Kesar in Southern Utah. This initiative is dedicated to Motivating, increasing Awareness, and promoting cybersecurity and technology education for high school students in rural and remote areas. With a focus on unlocking career opportunities in these high-demand fields, the project aims to inspire and empower the next generation of technology leaders. The grant supports work-based learning experience activities throughout the year including a one-day conference, technology certificates, college scholarship opportunities, workshops, and webinars.  This three-year grant fund supports a unique model that includes a collaboration of SUU students, educators, the K-16 community and industry members to provide outreach activities that will foster inclusive opportunities in cybersecurity and empower young women and students in underserved areas.

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Target Audience: High school students, especially young girls, particularly in rural, remote, and inter-generational poverty counties. 

Students will have access to hands-on activities, and opportunities to network with industry members as role models, build their confidence and enhance other skill sets needed to consider as well prepare them for an education or/and career in cybersecurity and technology. 

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Benefits:

• Southern Utah Aspirations competition (NCWIT)

• 1 college credit free (SUU CSCY1100- Online) 

• CompTIA certification vouchers (throughout the year)

• One-day conference in cybersecurity for high school students March- May (MADCYBER)

• Online Webinars – Freaky Fridays (October) 

• Zoom “Fly on the Wall” - Online Webinars (industry members) 

• School visits (throughout the year) ​