Priya PatelTLDR:
- More than 100 middle school girls attended the GenCyber Girls in CybHER Security Middle School Residential camp at Dakota State University, focusing on cybersecurity education
- The number of female students in Dakota State’s cybersecurity programs has increased significantly, showing growth in female participation in STEM fields
In the midst of summer break, Dakota State University hosted a girls-only cybersecurity camp, attracting over 100 middle school girls eager to learn about cybersecurity. One participant, Suzanna Koetters, expressed her excitement for the opportunity to learn about lock-picking and coding, with aspirations to pursue a career in aerospace engineering or web development. The camp, aimed at challenging stereotypes and encouraging girls to explore STEM fields, has shown success in attracting more females to cybersecurity programs at Dakota State.
The camp included hands-on activities such as lock-picking, building Wobble Bots, and engaging with key women in the field of cybersecurity. The curriculum evolved to sustain interest, with returning students learning new concepts each year. Guest speaker Cathy Johnston emphasized the importance of cybersecurity literacy and demystifying the field, encouraging girls to explore the diverse career opportunities in cybersecurity.
While gender diversity in STEM fields has improved, there is still room for growth in representation. Initiatives like CybHER aim to inspire more girls to pursue STEM careers by providing supportive environments and diverse learning opportunities. By expanding its reach to younger students and underserved communities, CybHER continues to advocate for gender equality in cybersecurity and STEM fields.
Ultimately, the girls-only cybersecurity camp at Dakota State University serves as a platform for girls to explore their interests in cybersecurity, challenge stereotypes, and foster a community of empowered women in STEM fields.
