ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 30, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Air Force Association's (AFA) CyberPatriot Program Office announced today launch of an updated version of its Elementary School Cyber Education Initiative (ESCEI). The new software (ESCEI 2.0) features Mac/OS X compatibility and will allow more students to participate in the initiative.  It is available for organizations and individuals to download free here.

The new platform includes updated modules, new games and a more advanced curriculum for students. It is available at no charge to teachers and schools, as well as parents/guardians, extracurricular activities, afterschool programs, and community organizations.

Materials for the CyberPatriot Elementary School Cyber Education Initiative were funded through a special grant from Riverside Research.

"Many elementary schools now operate on Mac computers, therefore we wanted to ensure this program is available to as many schools and organizations as possible," says Bernie Skoch, CyberPatriot National Commissioner. "Students are active online at increasingly younger ages, and AFA sees a need to equip them with the skills critical to their online safety. We are delighted to offer this opportunity at no cost and look forward to continuing this very important initiative."

The Elementary School Cyber Education Initiative is a component of the Air Force Association's CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Education Program, made possible by the generous support of its Presenting Sponsor, the Northrop Grumman Foundation.

The CyberPatriot Elementary School Cyber Education Initiative includes several interactive modules designed to excite K-6 students about computers and teach them basic practices for staying safe online. The program encourages students to apply cyber ethics principles in their online interactions and to understand the importance of cybersecurity in their everyday lives.

Participation in the initiative is completely free for schools and organizations for the digital copy of the programs. Schools and organizations may also elect to request a physical version of the kit, which includes a DVD, printed instructor's guide, and stickers for students, also at no cost. CyberPatriot is the National Youth Cyber Education Program created by the Air Force Association to inspire high school, middle school and elementary school students toward careers in cybersecurity or other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines critical to our nation's future.

Requests for free Elementary School Cyber Education Initiative activity kits may be submitted at the CyberPatriot website: www.uscyberpatriot.org.

The Air Force Association is a non-profit, independent, professional military and aerospace education association. Our mission is to promote a dominant United States Air Force and a strong national defense, and to honor Airmen and our Air Force Heritage.

SOURCE Air Force Association

Related Links

http://www.uscyberpatriot.org