Governor Bullock Announces Montana's Participation in Girls Go CyberStart Initiative

Statement

Governor Steve Bullock today announced that Montana will again partner with the SANS Institute to provide high school girls the opportunity to learn cybersecurity skills and compete for college scholarships through the 2020 Girls Go CyberStart challenge.

"Girls Go CyberStart encourages girls to explore career options in cybersecurity through a fun and engaging program while allowing students to win college scholarships," Governor Bullock said. "This is an excellent opportunity for girls to practice cyber and technology skills and bring more diversity to the field."

Montana first participated in the Girls Go CyberStart initiative in 2019. During the 2019 challenge, 70 girls from 11 Montana high schools participated and a total of $2,750 in cash prizes and scholarships were awarded to Montana players and their schools.

Girls in grades 9-12 are invited to compete in the challenge to win access to the CyberStart Game, an online game designed to help students develop cybersecurity skills. Participating students and their teachers need only a computer and internet connection to participate, and no prior cybersecurity knowledge or IT experience is needed. Through the program, at least 10 high school girls in Montana will win $500 scholarships to help them pay for college.

"There are many more cybersecurity jobs than there are people to fill them," said Andy Hanks, Montana's Chief Information Security Officer. "Last year, many high school girls in Montana discovered their cybersecurity talents by solving fun online challenges. We hope even more high school girls will learn how their problem solving and critical thinking skills can lead to an exciting career in cybersecurity."

High school girls may register for Girls Go CyberStart on Dec. 2 until Jan. 31. More information can be found at girlsgocyberstart.org/.

Source