Gov. Bob McDonnell

Governor Bob McDonnell is inviting high school students across Virginia to participate in the “Virginia Cyber Challenge” that will test participants’ computer skills.

The event is designed to spur interest in the fast-growing industry of cyber security.

The Cyber Challenge consists of 2 parts. The first part is a set of online quizzes. The top 40 scoring students will advance to the second part, which are the finals on March 2, 2013 at George Mason University. Winners of the competition will receive scholarships in the amounts of $5,000 for First place, $3000 for Second place, and $1500 for Third place.

Here’s a release from the governor’s office that gives more details:

Governor Bob McDonnell will host the first Governor’s Cyber Challenge this fall and is inviting Virginia high school students to participate in this initiative. This free competition will challenge students in skills related to the fast-growing industry of cyber security. The Governor invites Virginia’s students who have an interest in computers, information technology, and cyber security to compete in the upcoming free competition.

“There is a gap in our country right now between the skills of our high school and college graduates and the needs of employers in high growth fields like cyber security,” said Governor McDonnell. “Virginia has the highest concentration of high tech jobs of any place in the country. Inspiring Virginia students to pursue interests in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is critical to their futures as well as the future of our nation. Events like this one will help to engage students and introduce them to the much-needed technology skills that so many careers of the 21st Century will require.”

The challenge is hosted by the U.S. Cyber Challenge, the SANS Institute, and George Mason University. The Challenge consists of 2 parts. The first part is a set of online quizzes and the top 40 scoring students will advance to the second part, which are in person finals held March 2, 2013 at George Mason University. Winners of the competition will receive scholarships in the amounts of $5,000 for first place, $3000 for second place, and $1,500 for third place.

More information can be found at http://www.technology.virginia.gov/CyberChallenge/index.cfm.