Select Region
Follow us!


Girl Scouts Introduces Cyber Safety Patch

Girl Scouts Introduces Cyber Safety Patch


   
The Girl Scouts of West Central Florida and the Center for Cyber Safety and Education have created a new cyber safety patch that all Girl Scouts in the United States can earn.
    

The Girl Scouts of West Central Florida and the Center for Cyber Safety and Education have created a new cyber safety patch that was announced at GS Fest 2016 in Tampa, FL, Oct. 1.

The pilot patch program, the first of its kind in the country, teaches girls basic cyber safety principles and exposes them to the cybersecurity field. Girl Scouts at any level—Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette, Senior and Ambassador—and in any troop in the U.S. are able to earn the patch, which is part of the Center's Safe and Secure Online program.

While the patch requirements vary by membership level, all levels can fulfill requirements using the Center’s newest materials, which feature Garfield and friends.

The program kicks off in October, which is National Cyber Security Awareness Month. Pat Craven, the center’s director, wants the program to help girls realize their potential as well as help them be cyber safe.



"Our research indicates that the percentage of women that makes up the cybersecurity workforce—roughly 10—has not budged over the last decade. To alter this statistic, it's critical that we foster girls' interest in STEM throughout their education. We hope that this program helps us finally move the needle by opening up career possibilities to this sorely underrepresented population," he said.

Jessica Muroff, CEO of the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida, shares Craven’s goals. “We are committed to providing girls with opportunities in STEM fields. By collaborating with the center, we are able not only to empower girls to respect themselves and others online but also to discover new opportunities in an exciting career field," she said.


RELATED: Find STEM classes near you

    

More News Articles:

Latest News:

Family Activities:

Have a Laugh:

Kathryn Sheridan

Author: Kathryn Sheridan is a journalism student at Pace University and a former NYMetroParents editorial intern. She can be found wearing black, drinking coffee, and pretending to be Nancy Drew. See More

Featured Listings:

Steffi Nossen School of Dance

Steffi Nossen School of Dance

Since 1937, Westchester's dance destination! We arrange professional dance birthday parties at our studio or your home, based on your child's special ...

PDM Family Dental

PDM Family Dental

Jericho, NY Dr. Parul Dua Makkar has been in private practice for over 15 years. She completed undergraduate from University of Central Oklahoma and Dental school...

Long Island Speech

Long Island Speech

Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, owns and operates Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy. With her group of therapists, s...

Quassy Amusement and Waterpark

Quassy Amusement and Waterpark

Middlebury, CT 06762, Quassy Amusement and Waterpark in nearby Middlebury, CT, offers two parks for one great price! Conquer the award-winning Wooden Warrior roller coaster...