More than 130 students from the Augusta area now have better digital literacy skills and know the basics of cyber security, thanks to CyberPatriot Camps sponsored by the Alliance for Fort Gordon, the Augusta Boys, and Girls Club, and AT&T Foundation.
The two-week-long camps were held at the Georgia Cyber Center in Augusta and Aiken Technical College. In addition to learning new skills, the students also learned about career opportunities in the cyber security field.
“These CyberPatriot Camps were a unique opportunity for local students to gain hands-on experience in the cyber security field and learn new skills that will prepare them for the future and everyday life,” said Dr. Tom Clark, Executive Director, the Alliance for Fort Gordon.
The Alliance welcomed The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Augusta as a partner for the 2022 camps. This relationship provided 70 Boys and Girls Club students from across the area the opportunity to participate in the camps. The generous financial support from the Alliance’s industry and community partners provided the computer resources required for the camps as well as making the camps free to all participants.
Instructors from NSA Georgia and units across Fort Gordon provided training throughout the camp to locally grow cyber talent and help fill the future needs of the cyber workers in the region. The camps concluded with a student cyber competition and a ceremony recognizing the students’ participation and achievements.
The AT&T Foundation gave a grant of $25,000 to make the camps possible.
“AT&T is committed to supporting communities across Georgia, especially through organizations that are building better futures for our youth,” said Stan Shepherd, Regional Director, AT&T Georgia. “We are proud to support the Alliance for Fort Gordon and the CyberPatriot Camp as it provides pathways of success for students in the technology field.”
“We are grateful for the AT&T Foundation’s support of the CyberPatriot Camp,” Clark said. “Their support has been instrumental in the success of the program and in creating a pipeline of technology talent in the Augusta region.”
The Alliance for Cyber Education program was created in 2016 through the Alliance for Fort Gordon whose mission is to promote, coordinate and advocate for the Fort Gordon Cyber District to stimulate investment in cyber growth and capitalize on opportunities for the benefit of all. The Alliance for Fort Gordon serves as the catalyst for the Fort Gordon Cyber District to become a nationally recognized cyber center of excellence. It promotes economic development through partnerships capitalizing on the information technology, communications, and medical expertise prominent at Fort Gordon.
For more information, please visit www.fortgordonalliance.com.
