Junior Cyber Hero event welcomed young learners to TU for hands-on cyber adventure

Towson University welcomed local elementary students and their families to the Cyber4All Center this month for its third-annual Junior Cyber Hero event—an interactive evening designed to introduce young learners to the world of cybersecurity through hands-on exploration and teamwork.

The event invited students in grades 3–5 from partnering elementary schools to participate in a series of rotating cyber challenges. The evening kicked off with a lighthearted, humorous skit from TU’s own Bit Brothers and Sister Scripters before the students broke into five teams, each led by a captain.

Participants rotated through five themed cyber stations, experiencing activities that highlight problem-solving, digital safety skills and foundational cyber concepts in an age-appropriate and engaging way. The program was powered by significant support from TU’s cybersecurity community, with faculty, staff and—most notably—students playing key roles in planning and facilitating each challenge. The participants engaged in the following challenges:

• The Great Candy Caper, led by Willie Sanders and the Mock SOC Team
• Password Obstacle Course, led by the National Society of Black Engineers
• AI Recipe for Disaster, led by SecurEd Lab
• Friend or Phish, led by Women in Cybersecurity Club
• Secure the Ballot, led by Natalie Scala and the Empowering Secure Elections Lab

After completing all stations, families reconvened for a celebratory wrap-up featuring certificates of participation, pizza and a make-your-own ice cream sundae bar.

Junior Cyber Hero continues to grow as a signature outreach initiative that sparks early interest in cybersecurity while strengthening Towson University’s connections with local schools and families.