Press Release!

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Demand for jobs in areas of technology are expanding, especially in cybersecurity. It is estimated by 2021, there will be nearly 3 million unfilled cyber security jobs. In order to address the shortage of workers, the University of Missouri (UM) System’s MOREnet and the Missouri Cybersecurity Center of Excellence are working together to train the next generation of workers through events such as the Missouri High School Cybersecurity Challenge.

One hundred and fifty nine Missouri high school students from across the state competed in the inaugural Missouri High School Cyber Security Challenge. The top ten teams competed in the finals round, and were honored by Gov. Mike Parsons during the MOREnet Annual Conference on October 9.

The winning team was St. John Vianney High School.

Each team member received:

• Scholarship offer from Drury University (set amount renewable for 4 years)

• Scholarship offer from Lindenwood University (set amount renewable for 4 years)

• Scholarship offer from University of Missouri- Columbia (set amount renewable for 4 years)

• One-year subscription to StormWind cyber security training

• $5000 grant toward school’s cyber security program

The second place team was the Renegades from Summit Technology Academy from Lee’s Summit School District. They each received a scholarship offer from University of Missouri’s College of Engineering. (One time) and the school received a $3000 grant toward the school’s cyber security program.

The third place team was MID also from Summit Technology Academy from Lee’s Summit. They each received a scholarship offer from University of Missouri’s College of Engineering. (One time) and the school received a $2000 grant toward the school’s cyber security program.

4th place, and just out of prizes was the team from Kickapoo High School in Springfield.

By competing in this challenge, students learn skills like how to detect and create network vulnerabilities, giving them the knowledge of how to keep networks safe. This experience also prepares them to face future challenges on the job. 

As a part of the University of Missouri System, MOREnet provides technology services to over 700 members including K-12 schools, other higher education institutions and public entities such as libraries and local government.  They initiated this statewide event in order to provide opportunities for talented students to strengthen Missouri’s workforce and develop a brighter future for the state that is facing a shortfall of cybersecurity skilled workers.

The Missouri Cybersecurity Center of Excellence is a Nonprofit dedicated to being a collaborative hub where industry organizations, government agencies and academic institutions work together to address business’ most pressing cybersecurity issues.