TAMPA, Fla.Oct. 18, 2017 – ReliaQuest, a leading provider of IT security solutions, today opened the first-of-its-kind simulated cybersecurity storefront to provide cyber workforce skills for elementary students, in partnership with the Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay. Fifth-grade students from across Hillsborough County can now experience what it would be like to work in the fast-paced world of cybersecurity, protecting other large businesses from hackers, malware, and cyber-threats.

JA BizTown is an indoor city where students assume the roles of business leaders and consumers for a daylong, immersive career-prep experience. In partnership with the School District of Hillsborough County, the Junior Achievement program introduces fifth graders to future career opportunities. The standards-driven content and experiences of JA BizTown help close the achievement gap. ReliaQuest joins more than 20 other storefront sponsors at Muma JA BizTown, including Publix, Raymond James, Bank of America, the University of South Florida, the Tampa Bay Lightning and more.

ReliaQuest officially opened its storefront on Wednesday, Oct 18, with ReliaQuest CEO Brian Murphy co-hosting a ribbon cutting with his fifth grader counterpart that was assigned to be BizTown’s ReliaQuest CEO for the day.

“Today’s kids work with technology every day and already understand so many concepts around cybersecurity – whether they realize it or not,” said ReliaQuest CEO Brian Murphy. “If we can highlight how cybersecurity impacts them every day and spark awareness, interest or passion at this age, imagine how much better off we’ll all be in the future. We are proud to partner with JA Biz Town and look forward to working with the students. I fully expect to be working with the future technical and business leaders of ReliaQuest.”

“Thousands of Hillsborough County school students gain skills in leadership, teamwork, critical thinking and financial literacy during their visit to JA BizTown. We are pleased that we can now add to that list cybersecurity awareness and IT knowledge,” said Richard George, President of Junior Achievement Tampa Bay. “Exposing the students to such a highly regarded national IT security firm like ReliaQuest will have an impact far beyond their day at JA Biz Town.”

About Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay
Junior Achievement is the world’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to teaching young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. Last year, Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay reached 87,774 students in the Tampa Bay area.

Visit jatampabay.org for more information.