Scholarship Award for Cybersecurity Skills

Generation Blog | Community

Written by Kim Allman Head of Corporate Responsibility and Public Policy

Young people from across the United States gathered in San Diego in April for the 2024 LifeSmarts National Championshipan annual competition which allows middle and high school students to obtain scholarships by demonstrating their critical thinking on real consumer issues.

The four-day event is the culmination of the National Consumer League LifeSmarts Program, which provides free educational activities for teens to learn new skills in consumer rights and responsibilities, the environment, health and safety, personal finance and technology.

Norton, one of our leading cybersecurity brands, was a presenting sponsor of the 2024 competition, and we contributed more than $100,000 to make cybersecurity education an important part of the competition’s curriculum. ‘event.

Facing the Dangers of Identity Theft

Our support funded the LifeSmarts Identity Theft Essay Contest, which asked students to investigate the problem of identity theft, express its importance, and proactively propose solutions. Of the 41 students who participated, five winners each received a $1,000 scholarship, which we directly funded.

“Identity theft is a serious crime that can have devastating consequences,” said Maria Huck, a West Virginia high school student who was one of five essay contest winners. “When I was 18, I discovered that my mother had opened several credit cards in my name and maxed them out without my knowledge. It’s a painful reminder that we must always be vigilant and protect ourselves, even from those we think we can trust the most.

The theme of cybersecurity was also covered in the competition’s other challenges, with students answering questions about online threats, digital privacy and the importance of data protection.

Building an inclusive environment

We also helped pave the way for new voices to enter the competition in 2024. Our contributions to the LifeSmarts Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiative covered travel and expenses for 10 Title 1 teams and under-resourced communities across the United States. of them, it was the first time they had traveled outside their home country.

Distribution of cybersecurity tools

We provided free licenses for Norton 360 Deluxe to more than 350 students, coaches, alumni and coordinators who attended the championship, representing 30 states and the District of Columbia. This donation marks our commitment to putting necessary cybersecurity resources in the hands of those who need them most.

Provide support throughout the year

The LifeSmarts program gives young people the chance to continue their learning throughout the school year, including national and local competitions and educational resources. Our support helps integrate cybersecurity education into these programs, complementing our broader efforts to give vulnerable children, families and communities the tools they need to keep their digital lives safe. For more information on how we do this, check out our work with Discovery education, the national PTA and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.

Gen.

Gen.

Gen (NASDAQ: GEN) is a global company dedicated to digital freedom through its trusted cybersecurity brands, Norton, Avast, LifeLock, Avira, AVG, ReputationDefender and CCleaner. There is a new generation, and it’s not Generation X, Y or Z. It’s Generation D: Generation Digital. Gen’s family of consumer brands is dedicated to keeping digital first generations safe. Now, Gen empowers people to live their digital lives securely, privately, and confidently, today and for generations to come. Gen provides award-winning cybersecurity, online privacy and identity protection products and services to more than 500 million users in more than 150 countries. Learn more at GenDigital.com.

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