Mastercard Joins CyberPatriot as Cyber Silver Spon

ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 09, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Air Force Association’s (AFA) CyberPatriot program announced today that Mastercard has become the program’s newest sponsor.

“We are delighted to welcome Mastercard to a wonderful select group from industry and government working with AFA to promote cybersecurity and STEM education in America and beyond,” said Bernie Skoch, CyberPatriot National Commissioner. “Mastercard is respected and admired worldwide as the global leader in electronic payments. They know technology, and they know cybersecurity. And they know our partnership will allow us to reach many thousands more youth in diverse populations with the excitement of our growing National Youth Cyber Education Program.”

The support of Mastercard allows CyberPatriot to continue expanding its programs and encourage STEM education among America’s youth.

“At Mastercard, security is our top priority,” said Ron Green, Chief Security Officer, Mastercard. “As the role technology plays in our lives continues to grow, so does the need for information security professionals. Mastercard is proud to support programs like CyberPatriot that give students the chance to learn about the potential for exciting career opportunities that help keep people and information safe.”

CyberPatriot, the nation's largest and fastest growing youth cyber education program, is AFA's flagship STEM program dedicated to strengthening cyber skills among American youth. The program features the National Youth Cyber Defense Competition for high school and middle school students, AFA CyberCamps, and an Elementary School Cyber Education Initiative.

Other supporters of CyberPatriot include Northrop Grumman Foundation, CyberPatriot's Presenting Sponsor, as well as Cyber Diamond sponsors AT&T and the AT&T Foundation, Boeing, Cisco, Microsoft, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Cyber Gold sponsors Facebook, Riverside Research, Splunk, and Symantec; and Cyber Silver sponsors Air Force STEM, Air Force Reserve, American Military University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Leidos, and University of Maryland University College.

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.

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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/Attachm...127f8cfc3d

McKinnon Pearse Air Force Association 7032475847 mpearse@afa.org