The field of cybersecurity is becoming increasingly more important as we become more and more connected and dependent upon smart devices. With this in mind, local non-profit Yellow Circle has launched a series of cybersecurity bootcamps for students ages 13-18 to increase interest in cybersecurity careers and to increase diversity in the cybersecurity workforce.

After the success of Code for Grove in Elk Grove in June, Yellow Circle took their bootcamp to Folsom October 20 – 21, in the first annual Code for Folsom. Over 130 students spent their weekend at the first ever Code for Folsom at Folsom Lake College, that provided cybersecurity education and exposure to students ages 13 – 18.

Yellow Circle CEO Navneet Grewal saw an opportunity to bring his organization’s expertise in youth training programs to grow the workforce.

“With what’s happening these days, you hear it in the news, someone got hacked, someone got breached. There are so many things happening, it’s important to get our young kids interested in cybersecurity early on.” ~Navneet Grewal

Over the course of the two day bootcamp Yellow Circle provided 10+ hours of training, breakfast, lunch, snacks, and $5,000 worth of giveaways. Training was provided by 20 instructors, all industry professionals from Intel, VMware, and the State of California. In addition, 25 volunteers from Intel, the State of California, FLC, CISCO, and PG&E pitched in to make the event a success.

The event included students from 43 different local schools attended and 37% of the students were female.

As with the event in Elk Grove, Congressman Ami Bera dropped in to show his support for the program.

Check out some photos from the event in the gallery below.