Leaders and advocates of STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) take learning beyond just the academics offered in the classroom. Through TryEngineering, IEEE Volunteers are able to make STEM outreach projects a reality that reach school-aged children around the world. TryEngineering empowers educators and supports volunteers by providing STEM resources including peer-reviewed lesson plans at no cost. The IEEE Pre-University STEM Grant Program offers the opportunity for financial support to start, sustain, or scale selected STEM outreach projects in local communities. In 2024, 53 programs were selected as STEM grant recipients.
One of the selected projects was Curtin CyberCare: A Community-Driven Initiative for Cyber Wellness in Miri Secondary Schools. This cybersecurity bootcamp brought together over 1,200 student participants, 10 teacher participants, and 21 volunteer participants in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia. The program was designed to raise awareness of cybersecurity and equip secondary students with essential skills to protect themselves in the digital world. The event was a collaboration between Realfun Academy Sdn. Bhd., IEEE Curtin Malaysia Student Branch, and the SMK Chung Hua Miri Alumni Association. The bootcamp featured several interactive stations, each focusing on a different cybersecurity issue, including: cryptography, phishing attacks, recognizing suspicious links, cyberbullying, and password security.
After the program, TryEngineering was able to conduct an interview with the program’s leaders:
What inspired you to create your program and get involved with STEM outreach at the pre-university level?
As digital technology continues to shape the world, I wanted to empower students with the knowledge to navigate the internet safely and responsibly. Engaging in STEM outreach at the pre-university level was a natural choice, as it provides an opportunity to spark interest in cybersecurity and technology early, helping students build the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed for the digital age while fostering a passion for STEM fields.
What goals were met, and how did you measure the program’s impact?
The cybersecurity bootcamp successfully met its goals of raising awareness about online security, enhancing students’ practical skills, and fostering a sense of responsibility towards digital well-being. Over 1,200 students participated in the event, engaging with interactive stations and discussions on critical cybersecurity topics such as phishing, cryptography, and password security. The event also promoted peer learning, with active contributions from IEEE Curtin Malaysia student volunteers, and fostered community engagement through collaboration with local schools and organizations.
Curtin CyberCare: A Community-Driven Initiative for Cyber Wellness in Miri Secondary Schools was a recipient of the 2024 IEEE Pre-University STEM Grant Program. IEEE TryEngineering and the IEEE Foundation have partnered to raise donations in support of the IEEE TryEngineering STEM Grant Program. If you would like to contribute, please make a donation via our IEEE TryEngineering Fund donation page.