Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) recently donated 210 computer desktops and 240 monitors, which will be used to lay the groundwork for cybersecurity programs in 196 high schools across Nebraska.
BCBSNE collaborated with Nebraska Cybersecurity Network for Education (NCNE) to make the donation to the schools. NCNE works to reduce cyber risk and enhance cyber resilience for its school district members.
“At NCNE, one of our goals is to establish cybersecurity programs statewide to address the growing opportunities in this field of work,” said Andy Boell, cybersecurity director at NCNE. “Nebraska has a lot of very talented students, but not enough resources to educate them on cybersecurity. We want to keep these students in Nebraska and educate them as much as we can. Thanks to Blue Cross, we’re able to keep working toward that goal.”
According to Cyber Seek, Nebraska has seen a 69% increase in cybersecurity job openings since 2010.
BCBSNE sees this donation as an opportunity to provide more than just health insurance; it’s a chance to empower Nebraska’s students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the growing field of cybersecurity, contributing to their personal growth and the state’s economy.
“Our cybersecurity program is always looking for ways to train and engage with the next generation of cybersecurity professionals,” said Terrance Steinhart, cybersecurity manager at BCBSNE. “We’ve had the privilege of training multiple college students in cybersecurity through our strong internship program. We’re honored to extend this education to high school students and look forward to seeing the impact it will have on the future of the cybersecurity field in Nebraska.”
Following closely behind BCBSNE’s Healthy Home Team launch, a new community initiative awarding grants to Nebraska high schools, this donation further exemplifies BCBSNE’s commitment to supporting local education and community health and well-being.
The following Panhandle schools were reported as recipients of the donations:
Alliance Public Schools, Arthur County Schools, Banner County Public Schools, Bayard Public Schools, Bridgeport Public Schools, Chadron Public Schools, Crawford Public Schools, ESU 13, Garden County Schools, Gering Public Schools, Gordon-Rushville Public Schools, Hay Springs Public Schools, Hemingford Public Schools, Hyannis Area Schools, Kimball Public Schools, Leyton Public Schools, Minatare Public Schools, Mitchell Public Schools, Morrill Public Schools, Potter-Dix Public Schools, Scottsbluff Public Schools, Sidney Public Schools and Sioux County Public Schools.