Session 1: Understanding AI & Foundations of Cybersecurity
Program Overview
Hosted by Mubarak Haruna and Alexander Au, BRIDGEGOOD’s Cybersecurity + AI for Social Good program is designed to educate individuals from underrepresented backgrounds with little to no prior experience in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. By providing foundational knowledge, hands-on training, and access to in-person resources, the program aims to cultivate a new generation of diverse innovators. Focused on protecting vulnerable communities, fostering equity, and driving new solutions, BRIDGEGOOD aims to create a more secure and inclusive future.
This program, created by BRIDGEGOOD, is proudly supported by Craig Newmark Philanthropies.
Program Details + Structure
BRIDGEGOOD’s 8-session program offers monthly Cybersecurity + AI classes taught by volunteer industry professionals. It’s designed for students, tech enthusiasts, and entry level professionals looking to start or switch careers into cybersecurity. The program includes pre-work, hands-on training, and a certificate of completion for participants with 100% attendance. Participants will learn the skills companies need today and work on a final project that solves real-world problems, combining cybersecurity and AI with social good.
Agenda
12:00pm -12:15pm - Welcome
12:15pm- 1:00pm - Cybersecurity Session
1;00pm- 1:15pm - Networking Break/ Snacks
1:15pm-2:00pm - AI Session
2:00pm-3:00pm - [OPTIONAL] BG Labs
Each session will include time for Q&A, allowing for in-depth technical discussions. However, please note that Q&A is limited to 5 minutes, though instructors will be available to answer questions afterward.
Benefit of This Program
Cybersecurity Career Discovery: The classes are designed to provide participants with foundational knowledge and practical skills needed for real-world cybersecurity roles. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, interactive discussions, and a capstone project that prepares students for careers in the cybersecurity and AI job market.
AI Career Discovery: The program equips participants with foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in AI-related roles. Through engaging lessons on AI principles, prompt engineering, and multi-agent workflows, participants gain hands-on experience in real-world applications of AI, preparing them for careers in AI and its intersection with cybersecurity.
Training by Industry Professionals with an Updated Curriculum: Classes are led by skilled cybersecurity professionals actively working in the field. The curriculum, developed in collaboration with these experts, incorporates the latest industry trends and best practices.
Guidance and Coaching: Participants will benefit from guidance provided by coaches and professionals in cybersecurity and AI. This support includes professional development and strategies for navigating the rapidly evolving job market.
Community and Networking: Students will connect with peers and become part of the BRIDGEGOOD ecosystem, fostering meaningful relationships and professional networks. Alumni of BRIDGEGOOD’s programs, such as the UX Design Apprenticeship, remain active in the community, creating a strong and supportive network as they progress in their careers.
Certificate of Completion: Participants who attend all classes and successfully complete the capstone project will earn a certificate of completion, demonstrating their readiness to employers and unlocking career opportunities in the field.
Learning Outcomes
Build foundational knowledge in cybersecurity and AI
Gain hands-on experience with practical tools and techniques
Learn to apply cybersecurity principles to solve social challenges
Develop a portfolio-ready project showcasing real-world skills
Complimentary refreshments, including pizza, will be provided to fuel our discussions. Space is limited because of our venue, so register now to secure your spot!
Call for volunteer instructors! We are seeking passionate individuals as instructors. If you have valuable expertise or knowledge in cybersecurity and AI, please fill out this form:https://forms.gle/rDCWXT5jEb5vsWYP7
What to Bring & How to Prepare
To ensure you get the most out of the Cybersecurity + AI for Social Good program, please come prepared with the following:
What to Bring:
Personal Laptop or Tablet: Many sessions will include hands-on exercises, so having a personal device is essential. If you do not have access to one, no worries—we have some computers in the studio that you can use.
Notebook & Pen: Taking notes will help reinforce key concepts and allow you to jot down questions for the Q&A session.
Chargers & Accessories: Keep your devices powered up for the duration of the event.
Open Mind & Curiosity: Engage actively with speakers, ask questions, and participate in discussions.
What to Review Beforehand:
To maximize your learning experience, we recommend reviewing the following topics before attending:
Cybersecurity Foundations:
Basic cybersecurity principles (e.g., CIA Triad: Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability)
Common cyber threats (e.g., phishing, malware, ransomware)
AI Fundamentals:
Introduction to artificial intelligence and machine learning
Basics of prompt engineering and how AI models process data
Suggested Tools & Resources:
Cybersecurity:
TryHackMe (https://tryhackme.com/) – Beginner-friendly cybersecurity labs
Cybrary (https://www.cybrary.it/) – Free courses on cybersecurity fundamentals
AI & Prompt Engineering:
OpenAI’s ChatGPT (https://chat.openai.com/) – Experiment with AI-powered conversation
Google’s Teachable Machine (https://teachablemachine.withgoogle.com/) – Learn how AI models are trained
By reviewing these resources, you’ll have a solid foundation for engaging in discussions and hands-on activities. We look forward to seeing you at the event!
Please note: While we strive to accommodate all registered attendees, entry is not guaranteed in case of full capacity. Arrive early to secure your spot!
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.
Connect with us:
Website: http://www.bridgegood.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bridgegood
X: http://www.x.com/bridgegood
Instagram: http://instagram.com/bridgegoodcom