This past summer, 100 middle school girls stayed at Dakota State University in South Dakota for five days. They were part of a summer camp that taught campers about cybersecurity and tech jobs.

Question

CybHER is the organization that hosted the camp. It was founded by a group of female tech professors. They want to get more women to choose these careers.

Learning About Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is the protection of internet networks, devices and data from being accessed by people who aren’t allowed to use them.

At the camp, students learned the problem-solving skills necessary for cybersecurity jobs. For example, they used binary code to make friendship bracelets. They also learned the Python coding language and picked locks — all in an attempt to think like a cybersecurity professional.

Picking locks teaches people to look for weaknesses. They can then apply this skill to the development of software protection.

“I want to learn to lock-pick — probably just to annoy my family,” said Suzanna Koetters. She traveled from Iowa to be part of this year’s camp. Suzanna plans to use her knowledge to create safe and reliable websites. Choose a person, event, or idea from the text. Explain what the text reveals about your chosen topic.

Answer 1

I choose to focus on the event of the summer camp hosted by CybHER, which aimed to teach middle school girls about cybersecurity and technology careers. The text highlights several important aspects of this camp, reflecting broader themes of empowerment, education, and skill development within the context of an underrepresented demographic in the tech industry.

Firstly, the camp highlights the initiative taken by CybHER to create opportunities specifically for young girls, aiming to inspire and engage them in fields where they have been historically underrepresented. By gathering 100 middle school girls for a comprehensive five-day program, the camp demonstrates a commitment to fostering interest in cybersecurity and tech jobs among women at a young age.

The activities mentioned, such as using binary code to make friendship bracelets and learning the Python coding language, reveal a hands-on approach to learning that emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving—essential skills in the field of cybersecurity. The inclusion of lock-picking as a practical exercise underscores the camp's innovative teaching methods; it not only serves as a fun activity but also illustrates the concept of identifying vulnerabilities in systems, which is a core aspect of cybersecurity.

Additionally, the quote from Suzanna Koetters provides a personal insight into the impact of the camp on individual participants. Her intention to learn lock-picking "probably just to annoy my family" adds a light-hearted touch, suggesting that the camp encourages creativity and personal expression, along with technical skills. Furthermore, her aspiration to create safe and reliable websites indicates a desire to apply the knowledge gained at the camp in practical, meaningful ways.

Overall, the camp exemplifies a proactive effort to promote gender diversity within tech fields by equipping young girls with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to pursue careers in cybersecurity and technology. The event not only educates but also empowers participants, potentially leading to a future where women play a more significant role in shaping the tech industry.