ARLINGTON, Va., April 21, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Air Force Association (AFA) announced today that more than 450 teams have already registered to compete in the 2015-2016 season of the CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Defense Competition! The teams represent 41 states, Canada, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Department of Defense Dependent Schools in Japan and Germany.

Established by the Air Force Association, the CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Education Program was created to excite, educate, and motivate the students who will become our country's next generation of cyber leaders. The program aims to inspire students to consider careers in cyber security and other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines critical to our nation's future. CyberPatriot's unique cyber defense competition provides students hands-on learning about technology, emphasizing teamwork and leadership, and critical-thinking skills.

"Last year was an incredible growth year for the Air Force Association and CyberPatriot. More than 2,000 teams registered to compete in CyberPatriot VII and we look forward to reaching even more schools and educational organizations in CyberPatriot VIII. The 2015-2016 season kicked off last week with an Exhibition Round designed to allow new teams and Competitors to familiarize themselves with our competition system. We will hold four more Exhibition Rounds over the summer to help teams prepare for another exciting and rigorous season of the National Youth Cyber Defense Competition," said Bernie Skoch, CyberPatriot National Commissioner.

The CyberPatriot Program and its participants benefit from the expertise of the competition's industry sponsors, including the Northrop Grumman Foundation, which recently renewed its support as Presenting Sponsor through 2019 and has contributed mentors, internships, and scholarship money to top teams.

U.S. high schools, middle schools, home school programs, and approved educational organizations are invited to participate. High school teams fielded by public and private schools, home schools, scouting units and Boys and Girls Clubs compete in the Open Division, while high school Junior ROTC units of all Services, US Naval Sea Cadet Corps squadrons, and Civil Air Patrol squadrons compete in the All Service Division. Teams consisting of middle school students, regardless of the organization type, compete in the Middle School Division. Top qualifying teams receive all-expenses-paid trips to the CyberPatriot National Finals Competition held in Baltimore, Maryland, in April 2016.

Registration closes October 9, 2015. For more information on the program and to register visit www.uscyberpatriot.org! Send inquiries to: info@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.afa.org