Colorado State University-Pueblo and Cyber Institute Host Cyber Summer Camp for Hispanic Youth

Denver, CO, June 02, 2018 --(PR.com)-- The Cyber Institute, a cyber nonprofit, believes increasing women and minority diversity increases cognitive diversity towards solving cybersecurity problems. The nonprofit’s executives, Andrew Vance and Taylor Rodriguez Vance know a thing or two about minorities in cyber. Being a minority himself of Pacific Islander descent, Andrew has first-hand experience with the under representation of minorities in the cybersecurity field. Andrew is also an Associate Professor of Cybersecurity at the University of Maryland, a top cybersecurity program in the United States (US). Taylor, a Latino minority and a woman in cyber, knows that stereotypes of the industry and its careers often are the barrier for minorities and women to enter the field. She is also the Chairwoman for the National Defense Industrial Association, one of the largest and oldest organizations serving to educate industry and government on technology in the US. “Less than 4% of cyber professionals are Hispanic or Latino,” says Taylor. The Cyber Institute hopes to increase those numbers by reaching groups historically not engaged. One age group that is often forgotten about when it comes to cyber education and careers is youth. The Cyber Institute's Center for Women & Minorities in the Cyber Workforce works with partners like CSU Pueblo, Center for Cyber Safety and Education, Markel Foundation’s Skillful, the National CyberWatch Center, Discover Goodwill, CareerWise, Fourth Axis Games, and more, to increase the number of women and minorities in cyber. This summer, the Cyber Institute plans to host Cyber Summer Camps for girls and minorities in Southern Colorado. It is a pilot for camps the Cyber Institute hopes to continue in partnership with Colorado State University-Pueblo's (CSU) computer science program. CSU’s Computer Science Program Chair Dr. Roberto Mejias says that, “Southern Colorado has a large Hispanic population that traditionally pursues manufacturing or service-oriented careers. The largest demographic in Pueblo is Hispanic, with about 60% of inhabitants identifying themselves as Hispanic or Latino.” He goes on to say, "The partnership with the Cyber Institute will help CSU-Pueblo reach more of the Hispanic population that we otherwise would not have been able to help." Cyber Institute plans to expand these cyber camps with the help of other academic and industry partners. Their expansion of the camps will include a Cyber Camp for Native Americans in Southern Colorado with Ft. Lewis College in Durango and with New York University for camps globally. Cyber Institute hopes to make a difference in children’s lives through cyber.

About Cyber Institute
The nonprofit staff have specialized knowledge and experience innovating workforce development and hold dual positions in academia and the Cyber Institute. They help reduce barriers to cybersecurity and STEM-related careers by advancing traditional and non-traditional pathways, for women and minorities in particular. By increasing access to education, employment, and workforce development, those they serve can have greater opportunities for self-determination and self-reliance. For more information, reach them at info@cyber-institute.org and find us at https://www.cyber-institute.org.

Contact
Taylor Rodriguez Vance
Executive Director
1312 17th Street, Suite 551
Denver, CO 80202
800-282-1659 or 719-629-7768