Insights

Riverside Research and DRSC are honored to launch AFA’s newest CyberPatriot program, the Elementary School Cyber Education Initiative (ESCEI), in Ohio. ESCEI targets students grades K–6 to introduce best practices for online safety at an early age. ESCEI also exposes students to important STEM principles. This early exposure to and application of STEM principles encourages further pursuit of STEM education and is the first step in cultivating the technical skills needed in many careers today. As a contributor to the nation’s cyber security and a company offering cyber security employment opportunities, Riverside Research is committed to advancing the future workforce. DRSC is the first organization in Ohio to adopt the ESCEI program and works with Riverside Research to expand the program throughout the state.

“ESCEI will equip educators and parents to teach students about cyber security at a young age,” said Bernie Skoch, CyberPatriot National Commissioner. “Students are active online at increasingly younger ages, and AFA sees a need to equip them with the skills critical to their online safety. We are delighted to offer this opportunity at no cost to the schools and other organizations.”

Together, Riverside Research and DRSC introduced 150 Ohio STEM educators, aspiring educators, school administrators, counselors, community and industry leaders, and informal education providers to ESCEI at the conference. The ESCEI program overview was also distributed to regional STEM coordinators from all 88 counties in Ohio. These coordinators will play a critical role in expanding the program to all K-6 classrooms in the state.

Dr. Rusty Baldwin, Chair, Riverside Research Cyber Center of Excellence, and other Riverside Research personnel will instruct professional development in-service opportunities at DRSC. These professional development in-services are an opportunity for educators to learn more about using the ESCEI kit in the classroom. In-services dates will be announced in the coming months.

“As cyber has become more and more a part of our daily lives, Internet safety has become an essential part of education at all levels,” said Dr. Baldwin. “We are proud to be part of bringing this curriculum to students in Ohio.”

The complete ESCEI kit consists of three interactive learning modules. Parents, guardians, teachers, and volunteers can request a free ESCEI program kit by visiting http://uscyberpatriot.org/special-initiatives/elementary-school-cyber-education-initiative/escei-overview and completing a short request form. All program kits include a digital copy of materials in a zipped folder, but individuals may request a physical copy of the kit as well. Click here to learn more about the included materials or to request your free kit.