From learning how to spot a phishing email to crafting the perfect password, middle school students from Tampa Bay gained a deeper awareness of cybersecurity issues and career opportunities during a recent field trip to ReliaQuest’s global headquarters.

It was just one example of ReliaQuest’s founding partnership with Think Big for Kids, a national non-profit dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty by helping middle and high school students discover their potential through career exploration, mentorship, and job readiness and placement by partnering with companies to prepare kids to excel in today’s workforce.

A ReliaQuest employee teaches a group of kids about cybersecurity at the ReliaQuest offices in Tampa, Florida. image

“Think Big for Kids has easily become one of my favorite aspects about working here at ReliaQuest,” said Bayete Stevens, from the ReliaQuest Incident Response team. “I spend all day talking about complex topics with decision makers, managers, engineers and analysts, but to then turn around and communicate these same concepts to the Think Big for Kids audience in a way they can understand is really fun and rewarding.”

In a fast-changing industry like cybersecurity, there is no shortage of opportunity and it’s never too early to get involved. ReliaQuest is committed to partnering with organizations that expose youth to these opportunities and give them tangible ways to get involved.

Students sit around a desk discussing cybersecurity innovation at the ReliaQuest offices in Tampa, Florida. image

Through Think Big for Kids, ReliaQuest participates in Career Showcase events at the Boys and Girls Club, hosts field trips, and sets teammates up with Think Big for Kids students for one-to-one mentorship. Since joining Think Big for Kids in 2017, ReliaQuest has impacted more than 3,000 students, contributing hundreds of volunteer hours.

“As a founding partner of Think Big for Kids, ReliaQuest has believed in our mission from the beginning,” said Amy Alley, Executive Director of Think Big for Kids. “ReliaQuest team members are a prime example of a successful partnership, as they volunteer in all three pillars of our program. They have team members providing career showcases to our middle schoolers monthly, numerous volunteering as mentors working with students in our mentoring program and offering field trips and internships to our high school students.  We are grateful for their continued support and the amazing impact they are having on our community through their work with Think Big for Kids.”

Learn more about Think Big for Kids at thinkbigforkids.org.

image