BRIDGEGOOD Launches “Cybersecurity for Social Good” Pilot Program with Support from Craig Newmark Philanthropies
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oakland, CA — January 6, 2024 — BRIDGEGOOD, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging the digital and tech divide in underserved communities, is proud to announce the launch of its “Cybersecurity for Social Good” pilot program. This initiative is made possible by a generous donation from Craig Newmark Philanthropies.
The 8-session program, complemented by ongoing in-person and open lab support, aims to provide foundational cybersecurity literacy to job seekers and under-resourced community members in Oakland, CA, and the East Bay. Offered free of charge, participants will engage in sessions covering essential topics, beginning with cybersecurity literacy, addressing digital misinformation, and promoting safe online behaviors, all led by diverse industry professionals. The program’s goal is not only to introduce cybersecurity to individuals lacking this knowledge but also to inspire them to pursue careers in cybersecurity, leveraging their backgrounds in user experience (UX) and design to bring unique perspectives and equity to the sector.
“We are deeply grateful to Craig Newmark Philanthropies for continuing to believe in BRIDGEGOOD’s mission and kick starting this important program,” said Shaun Tai, Executive Director of BRIDGEGOOD. “The Cybersecurity for Social Good program offers underserved communities the opportunity to acquire essential cybersecurity knowledge, bridging the tech literacy divide, enhancing online safety, and helping job seekers gain a fair advantage in this rapidly expanding field. It helps enable everyday individuals to participate in the cybersecurity conversation, ensuring their voices are heard and valued.”
With a proven track record of success since 2009, BRIDGEGOOD has educated nearly 15,000 students and job seekers through equitable tech access, design opportunities, and professional resources. Their programs have launched 900 tech careers, contributing $69 million in salaries to the San Francisco Bay Area economy and creating tangible opportunities for modern employment and community prosperity.
About Craig Newmark Philanthropies:
Craig Newmark is a Web pioneer best known for creating craigslist, which he stepped away from running day-to-day two decades ago. Craig’s full-time philanthropic work focuses on supporting organizations protecting America’s security and democracy. He has given more than $300 million in support of veterans and military families, trustworthy journalism and civic engagement campaigns, cyber security education programs, hunger relief, and pigeon rescue. Craig was influenced by his Sunday School teachers who escaped the Holocaust, set his moral compass, and taught him to treat people like you want to be treated – and how to know when enough is enough. He’s not as funny as he thinks he is.
About BRIDGEGOOD:
BRIDGEGOOD is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Oakland, CA, dedicated to bridging the digital divide by providing in-demand skills to underserved communities. Through tuition-free programs and scholarships, BRIDGEGOOD empowers individuals to achieve economic mobility and contribute to the digital economy.
- Learn more at bridgegood.org.
- Stay connected at linkedin.com/company/bridgegood, facebook.com/bridgegood, x.com/bridgegood, and instagram.com/bridgegoodcom.
- Make a tax-deductible contribution at bridgegood.org/donate.