Center for Secure Information Systems
Securing the World's Cyber Infrastructure
George Mason University
CSIS News
October 12, 2021
Spring 2022 INNOVATE Cyber Application Open: Earn $1,000 and Gain Key Skills for Cybersecurity & IT Fields
The Spring 2022 INNOVATE Cyber program is open to all undergraduate students in public two- or four-year institutions in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Please send any questions about this program to Dr. Karen Sanzo (ksanzo@odu.edu).
INNOVATE Cyber is a paid ($1000) experiential learning opportunity via Zoom for cybersecurity and IT field undergraduate majors. The next cohort launches January 7, 2022 and continues through the April 2022. Read more to learn about INNOVATE Cyber and how to apply. Applications due November 15 at 5 pm. Apply now!
Want to develop the top skills employers want in the cybersecurity field, including innovation, creativity, and critical thinking? At INNOVATE Cyber you will work within a team to identify a challenge or issue related to cybersecurity. Using the design thinking approach to problem-solving, you will be empowered to express your ideas, think creatively, and research within a high-impact team environment to identify solutions. Design thinking focuses on creating innovators--a human-centered method for creative action that leans heavily on empathy, observation, interviewing, and brainstorming.
INNOVATE Cyber comes with an award package that includes a $1,000 project award for the spring 2022 semester, a showcase event, and an additional paid opportunity for selected teams to continue working on their prototypes. INNOVATE Cyber is a competitive process limited to a select group of undergraduates, though no previous experience with design thinking is necessary. Eligible students must be in an undergraduate program with coursework related to cybersecurity and currently taking classes at public two- or four-year institution in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Applications are due by November 15th, and the program kicks off on Friday, January 7th, 2022. Learn more at https://odu.edu/chip/innovatecyber. Students may apply here: https://forms.gle/say1pXU8rGanLTXJ9. Direct any questions to the INNOVATE Cyber Director, Dr. Karen Sanzo (ksanzo@odu.edu).
Program Requirements*
It is expected that all selected participants will abide by the project guidelines, support team efforts, and complete tasks on time. You must also be:
- Currently enrolled in a cybersecurity-related program (major or coursework) at a public Virginia 2- or 4-year higher education institution.
- Have a minimum 2.0 grade point average
- Able to attend the ICC orientation January 7, 2022, from 9 am – 2 pm (virtual through Zoom).
- Able to attend weekly sessions on Tuesdays from January 11 through April 12 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm and the Pitch and Showcase event. April Date TBD (Teams will schedule additional weekly work and planning meetings)
*All facilitated meetings are held via Zoom. Please ensure that you have the proper apps, smartphone and/or computer equipment to participate.