Air Force Association, AT&T keep teens cyber smart at cybercamp

Col. Lori Winn, 88th Communications Group commander, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, stands with this year’s attendees at a local CyberCamp. Air Force Association CyberCamps began in 2015 as a way to give students the opportunity to learn about cybersecurity during the summer months, regardless of their previous knowledge or education in cybersecurity. They are also designed to stimulate year-round interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. (Contributed photo)

Col. Lori Winn, 88th Communications Group commander, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, stands with this year’s attendees at a local CyberCamp. Air Force Association CyberCamps began in 2015 as a way to give students the opportunity to learn about cybersecurity during the summer months, regardless of their previous knowledge or education in cybersecurity. They are also designed to stimulate year-round interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. (Contributed photo)

The Air Force Association and AT&T teamed up again to teach teens basic cybersecurity skills and online awareness at “CyberCamps” across the country.

AFA CyberCamps began in 2015 as a way to give students the opportunity to learn about cybersecurity during the summer months, regardless of their previous knowledge or education in cybersecurity. They are also designed to stimulate year-round interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

At CyberCamps, campers are learning how to look for phishing instead of going fishing. This year, a camp was held July 15-19 at Clark State Community College in Dayton.

“We are excited to again be supporting the Air Force Association in their work engaging teens in building valuable cyber-safety and STEM skills,” said Dr. Harold Arata, AT&T lead systems design engineer. “These kinds of skills will help put students on the path to future success.”

AFA is providing the technical tools and training while AT&T is working with campers to develop an understanding of online citizenship and network security.

“It’s gratifying to see AFA’s CyberCamp program continue to expand,” said Bernie Skoch retired Air Force brigadier general and CyberPatriot national commissioner. “As we continuously improve and grow our programs, we appreciate our sustained collaboration with AT&T. We know that it is only with the generous support of visionary and engaged partners that we can reach the tens of thousands of students we reach every year. We are honored to partner with AT&T, a firm so visibly dedicated to corporate responsibility.”

The CyberCamps program is part of AFA's CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Education Program. To learn more, visit www.uscyberpatriot.org.

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