Addressing the Diversity Gap in Cybersecurity with K-12 Outreach

Abstract: Finding novel ways to bring cyber security topics to young women and minorities serves to address a recognized national need for security education at the K-12 and undergraduate level, and begins to address the widening gap between the availability and demand for qualified and diverse security professionals. Designing security education interventions that are creative, socially relevant, and accessible to an underrepresented population in cyber security is a challenge that informs how education and outreach can be performed within other contexts. This breakout session will discuss approaches and methods to engage and support a diverse population in cyber security. Topics include social media, K-12 classroom outreach, working with existing non-profit organizations, partnering with organizations performing similar work, and creating a supporting infrastructure for inspiration and evaluation.