Monday, January 10, 2022 - 11:50am Categories:
Cybersecurity
Education

Bismarck, N.D. |    Gov. Doug Burgum today congratulated the high school teams signed up to participate in the ND Cyber Madness tournament. Ten high school teams from nine high schools across North Dakota have enrolled in the free cyber tournament to take place Feb. 10-12 at Bismarck State College Center of Excellence.   

The ND Cyber Madness high school tournament is a friendly competition to get students involved in cybersecurity. With almost a zero percent unemployment rate, jobs in cybersecurity are promising for ND students.    

Scholarships will be awarded to the winning teams.    

The following high schools are sending at least one team of up to five students:   

  • Turtle Mountain Community High School   

  • James Valley Career and Technology Center   

  • Tioga Public High School   

  • New England Public High School   

  • Beach Public High School   

  • Bismarck Century High School (2 teams)   

  • Bismarck High School   

  • Williston Trinity Christian  

  • Fargo Public Schools      

Burgum said, “Congratulations to the students competing in this inaugural tournament and matching their cybersecurity skills against those of their peers,” Burgum said. “Their participation will help bring attention to this fast-growing career field and prepare them for a 21st-century workforce in which cybersecurity skills are highly valued across all businesses and industries. Best of luck to all 10 teams!”   

Chief Information Security Officer Michael Gregg said, “These teams are taking the initiative to participate in the first-ever cybersecurity high school tournament in North Dakota, and they will get industry-leading resources and tools to become familiar with and have an experience they will value.”    

This is NOT just for gamers, techies, and hackers. It is for everyone at all levels. Materials are sent in advance to students and coaches to help them prepare.   

Students still have a chance to sign up before the deadline on Jan. 17. For those interested, register here: Register for ND Cyber Madness Tournament    

The ND Cyber Madness high school tournament is aligned with North Dakota’s PK-20W Initiative. Named “PK-20W” to reflect every student from kindergarten through Ph.D. and workforce, it is an award-winning, statewide approach to computer science and cybersecurity education and workforce training. The PK-20W coalition is comprised of more than 40 public and private sector participants who share a goal of “Every Student. Every School. Cyber Educated.“ PK-20W was also the recipient of a Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Service and was a Center for Digital Government Experience Award Finalist.   

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C O N T A C T :  

Alisa Cook      |    701-328-7408   

acook@nd.gov  

Jecca Geffre    |      701-955-0304   

jrgeffre@nd.gov