CybHER® Security Institute
While CybHER® was founded to address the historic underrepresentation of girls and women in cybersecurity, all programs, events, and resources offered through the CybHER Security Institute are open to all students — girls and boys, women and men — who wish to explore, learn, and engage in cybersecurity. Our outreach activities, camps, educational materials, and community events welcome participation from any student regardless of gender.
Purpose + Inclusivity
CybHER provides initiatives designed to increase the participation of girls and women in cybersecurity. These initiatives operate within fully inclusive programs that support all learners. Any student, parent, educator, or community member may participate in CybHER events, benefit from CybHER curricula, and access CybHER resources.
Institutional Alignment
As part of Dakota State University and The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences, CybHER follows the university’s non-discrimination policies. All CybHER-aligned activities, whether partially targeted or broadly delivered, are open to students of any gender identity or background.
Who We Serve
CybHER programs are open to all students. While our mission focuses on encouraging girls and women to pursue cybersecurity, all middle school, high school, and college students, regardless of gender, are welcome to participate in our camps, workshops, trainings, and outreach events. Many CybHER efforts directly support co-educational programming across K–12 and higher education.
Our Commitment to Access
CybHER is committed to broadening participation in cybersecurity by expanding access to high-quality learning opportunities. Our programs intentionally center girls and women to address long-standing equity gaps in the cyber workforce, while remaining inclusive and accessible to every student interested in cybersecurity.
History
CybHER was founded in 2013 by Dr. Ashley Podhradsky and Dr. Pam Rowland to address the national shortage of women in cybersecurity. Since its inception, CybHER initiatives have reached more than 45,000 youth and educators. Although many programs highlight girls and young women, all CybHER resources, events, and activities are open to all students. CybHER also contributes to DSU’s broader K–12 and community outreach, which supports boys and girls across diverse educational and after-school programs.
Ashley Podhradsky
Vice President for Research & Economic Development
Department
Research & Economic Development
Contact
Office Location: DSU MadLabs
Phone: (605) 256-5100
Email
Kanthi Narukonda
Instructor
Department
The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences
Contact
Office Location: East Hall
Phone: (605) 256-5838
Email
Website
CybHER’s mission focuses on elevating girls and women in cybersecurity, yet all CybHER programs and events are open to students of any gender and align with DSU’s institutional non-discrimination policies.