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AT&T Foundation Contribution Benefits Summer Cyber Camp at USA SOC

Posted on August 1, 2019 by Spencer Radford
Spencer Radford

ATT Foundation Contribution to the University of South Alabama SOC data-lightbox='featured'

Mobile, Ala. – With cybersecurity concerns facing the nation at an alarming rate, students from W.P. Davidson High School in Mobile will be ready to answer the call and meet the challenges.  Incoming ninth-grade students from Davidson recently attended a Summer Cyber Camp hosted by the School of Computing on the University of South Alabama campus.  The camp was made possible thanks to a $20,000 contribution from the AT&T Foundation.

The STEM focused camp, now in its fifth year, fosters college-bound students’ interest in the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity.  Students received instruction and experience in cybersecurity through hands-on activities and real-world scenarios as well as participated in discussions about trending tropics on safe online behavior.  They heard from guest speakers working in the technology sector and competed in a programming activity where they worked in teams to navigate a Sphero robot through a mini-maze.

According to Dr. Todd Andel, Computer Science Chair and camp instructor, “This camp brings in upcoming freshmen from Davidson’s EPIC and IB programs, providing a week of hands-on learning of basic programming skills and exposure to cyber physical systems and related vulnerabilities.  AT&T’s generous support allowed for 28 students to attend the camp, leaving a lasting impression on the criticality of cyber vulnerabilities as well as sparking early interest in computing as a career.”

Students attending the camp confirmed that they enjoyed learning new technology skills and were more inclined to take computer science courses and consider computing as their profession.  One stated, “My favorite part of the camp was programming and racing the Spheros.  I really enjoyed working with my teammates and racing our robot.”

“At AT&T, we are committed to helping people connect with their world and opportunities that make life more fulfilling,” stated Glyn Agnew, AT&T Alabama Regional Director of External and Legislative Affairs. “We are proud to support USA and their work to help build the needed pipeline from our public high schools to the 21st century workforce.”

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