4 Things Every Student Will Get From the Cyber Guardians Event at Benedict College
Students in the cybersecurity program at Benedict College have the unique opportunity to improve their technical skills at an upcoming student engagement workshop.
The Cyber Guardians: Operation Stampede Shield workshop, to be held on campus March 22-23, provides cybersecurity students the chance to learn from experts in the field in an immersive and collaborative environment. The Minority-Serving Cyberinfrastructure Consortium (MS-CC) serves as a partner in this academic event.
What can students expect to learn from this event? The workshop encourages teamwork as students work their way through activities related to cybersecurity principles, threats, and defense.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Are you curious about everything you can get out of this event? Here is a breakdown of everything cybersecurity students at Benedict College should know about the Cyber Guardians: Operation Stampede Shield workshop.
What is the Cyber Guardians: Operation Stampede Shield Event?
This event is a joint effort between the MS-CC, Benedict College—one of America’s oldest historically Black colleges—and the Texas Advance Computing Center (TACC), an advanced computing research center based out of the University of Texas at Austin.
Edgar Garza, a senior training coordinator at TACC, will lead the workshop. He will guide students through problem-solving sessions designed to develop cybersecurity skills.
What Every Student Will Get Out of the Workshop
Students can expect several chances for professional development at this workshop, from picking up hard skills to opportunities for resume building. Here is a quick list of what cybersecurity students at Benedict College can learn from the Cyber Guardians: Operation Stampede Shield event.
1. Certification
TACC has created a cybersecurity certification specifically for students who finish the Cyber Guardians: Operation Stampede Shield event. This badge includes the logos of both TACC and MS-CC.
The certification — issued by MS-CC, TACC, and Benedict College — is a stamp of authentication that students have completed the 2-day TACC cybersecurity workshop.
Certificates like these are invaluable to students as they look to pursue further education or enter the workforce in the cybersecurity field. Earn your TACC certificate by participating in the Cyber Guardians: Operation Stampede Shield event.
2. Social Media Cred
Students who finish the Cyber Guardians workshop will receive a LinkedIn badge to proudly display on their social media pages.
This badge signals to your colleagues, recruiters, and other organizations that you’ve completed a professional development workshop with MS-CC, Benedict College, and TACC — one of the most well-respected advanced computer research institutions in America.
3. Free Stuff!
Who doesn’t love some free swag? Students who complete the workshop will get their hands on goodies and merch from TACC and MS-CC. You’ll never have to do laundry again if you keep picking up free gear.
4. Face-to-Face Time With Cybersecurity Pros
Connect with other students from the cybersecurity program in a collaborative environment that provides valuable, one-on-one face time between peers.
Benedict College students will also have the chance to meet and network with staff from large cybersecurity organizations, including the TACC and MS-CC. These aren’t just instructors, these are your future peers in the cybersecurity workforce.
This workshop is a unique opportunity to glean technical knowledge and career advice from people who were in your shoes not too long ago — don’t let it slip away.
More Information About the Cyber Guardians: Operation Stampede Shield Workshop
When: Friday, March 22 to Saturday, March 23
Where: Second floor in the Starks Building, Benedict College, 1600 Harden St., Columbia, SC 29204
Registration Fees: This workshop is free to all Benedict College students in the cybersecurity program or students who have an interest in cybersecurity.
Event Partners:
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Can Attend?
Any student enrolled in the cybersecurity program at Benedict College is allowed to and encouraged to participate in this workshop. Further, Benedict College students interested in cybersecurity as a career are permitted to participate.
Why is student engagement important for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)?
Supporting a student’s sense of belonging in college is crucial, as it helps them engage in activities that connect them with other students throughout their academic and professional careers.
Why is cyberinfrastructure important for HBCU students?
It is essential to equip students with practical IT skills to thrive in the constantly evolving workforce. Hands-on experience is key to their success, and enhancing cyberinfrastructure at HBCUs will prepare students for their careers.
Why is important for HBCU students to be in the cybersecurity field?
The National Science Foundation in 2021 published its “Missing Millions” report, which found that underrepresented communities have been historically excluded from STEM fields. MS-CC aims to support STEM students on HBCU, TCU, HSI, and MSI campuses and ensure their inclusion.