October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month which focuses on the importance of cybersecurity; raises awareness; and promotes best practices for individuals, businesses, and academia. In today’s technology-driven world, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is greater than ever. Companies rely on a proficient workforce resulting in a greater need for comprehensive educational initiatives in the fields of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Academic and community outreach are crucial in fostering interest in these disciplines, particularly cybersecurity. SimVentions invests in these opportunities by hosting STEM and cybersecurity events, collaborating with work-based learning coordinators, and participating in various academic engagements to help bridge the gap between businesses and academia.
Impactful forms of academic and community outreach are the organization of STEM and cybersecurity events. SimVentions hosts various events for schools and organizations in the Fredericksburg area such as the Commonwealth Governor’s School and Stafford County Public Schools’ (SCPS) Cyber 4+ Program. The aforementioned serve as a platform for students to engage in real-world cybersecurity challenges. Events such as Question and Answer Panels, STEM briefs from each operations group, and cybersecurity presentations allow students to grow understanding and passion for technical fields. SimVentions also holds informational meetings with aspiring cybersecurity professionals from the community by linking them with subject matter experts (SMEs) to gain valuable insight on hiring requirements, certifications, and technical skills.
Effective outreach also involves collaboration with work-based learning coordinators, other academic staff members, and community directors. These professionals bridge the gap between school and the workforce. Each creates opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience. SimVentions has created strong partnerships with local schools such as, the Fredericksburg City Public School (FCPS) Superintendent Community Roundtables and frequent meetings with SCPS work-based learning coordinators. Effective discussions and streamlined outreach activities are two ways of impact. Recently, SimVentions was honored to receive the Student Impact Partner of the Year Award from SCPS for the close collaboration with SCPS and the Cyber 4+ Program. SimVentions participated in the Cyber 4+ Career Fair and Chart Your Future events. More notably, SimV established the first high school internship program specific for Cyber 4+ students. In the community, SimVentions plans to collaborate with the Program Director of the Commonwealth Region of the Girl Scouts to host cybersecurity badge events in the spring of 2025.
A robust academic outreach program also entails investment in resources that enhance learning experiences. SimVentions recently made a cash donation to Spotsylvania High School’s cybersecurity labs which provide resources to enrich these vital assets and allows students’ access to cutting-edge technology and tools. These labs serve as hubs for innovation, allowing students to apply academic concepts, experiment with real-world cybersecurity applications, conduct research, and develop solutions to contemporary problems shaping the cybersecurity workforce of the future.
Members of the SimVentions Cybersecurity Group (CSG) served as mentors in various capacities. They mentored the current cohorts of the Cyber 4+ Program for the 2023-2024 school year. Additionally, CSG mentors worked closely with summer interns to establish a standalone cybersecurity lab for real-world innovation and training along with researching examples of real-world cybersecurity vulnerabilities to be included in marketing material to potential private sector clients. Collaboration also took place with local middle schools and the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) to mentor students who participate in robotics competitions. These competitions challenge students to design and build robotic systems that encourage teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving. These initiatives foster a sense of community among students while nurturing technical as well as soft skills that are highly valued in the workforce.
As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, academic and community outreach remain vital components to prepare the next generation of professionals. By hosting engaging events, collaborating with work-based learning coordinators, and providing mentorship opportunities, SimVentions is significantly impacting student interest and preparedness in cybersecurity. Continued investments in resources and programs leads to a well-equipped workforce capable of tackling the challenges of tomorrow’s digital landscape. Through these collaborative efforts, SimVentions not only empowers students but also contributes to the broader goal of creating a safer, more secure cyber world.