Participants engaged in discussions during the ISPS Student Conference on Cybersecurity Policies.
The Institute for Strategic Policy Solutions (ISPS) hosted its first annual student conference on cybersecurity policies at St. Petersburg College. Over 35 students from various Florida colleges engaged in discussions, simulations, and expert insights. The event aimed to inspire critical thinking and prepare attendees for careers in public policy. Future plans include analyzing feedback to enhance upcoming conferences.
St. Petersburg, Florida — The Institute for Strategic Policy Solutions (ISPS) held its inaugural annual ISPS Student Conference on Cybersecurity Policies on July 10 and 11 at the St. Petersburg College Seminole Campus Conference Center. The event brought together students and faculty from across the Florida College System (FCS) to engage in critical discussions around cybersecurity policy.
This non-partisan, nonprofit think tank was established by former Congressman C.W. Bill Young. The conference, directed by Kimberly Jackson, was conceived in late 2024 in partnership with the Bob Graham Center for Public Service at the University of Florida, and aimed to foster a collaborative learning environment for participants.
Attendees included over 35 students from 11 of the 28 colleges within the Florida College System. Their diverse backgrounds represented various regions, from the peninsula to South Florida, creating a rich tapestry of ideas and perspectives on cybersecurity issues.
The centerpiece of the conference involved a fictional policy scenario focusing on a major cyberattack that disrupts a statewide smart system. Students worked in groups, simulating task forces tasked with formulating policy responses to bolster Florida’s cybersecurity defenses. The scenario was designed to provoke thought on the challenges of over-reliance on artificial intelligence and to encourage innovative solutions to protect cybersecurity frameworks.
During breakout sessions, expert speakers such as Alexander Jordan Sr., the Director of Operations at the Florida Department of Education, contributed valuable insights into the current landscape of cybersecurity. Their involvement provided attendees with a real-world connection to the concepts being discussed.
The initiatives exemplified at the conference promoted interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving, preparing students for potential careers as public policy analysts. The conference aimed not only to educate but also to inspire attendees to think critically and collaboratively about pressing cybersecurity issues facing the state and the nation.
Preparation for this event began in March with a student committee dedicated to developing the conference’s structure, objectives, and content. The involvement of the Bob Graham Center was critical, as it offered historical context, networking opportunities, and support for the development of policy proposals.
ISPS plans to analyze attendee feedback and experiences from this inaugural conference to enhance future events and further its mission of fostering informed public policies. The goal is to create not just a participant experience but also a network for students aiming to make a societal impact in the realm of cybersecurity.
Michael Ballard, who served as the Conference Chair and is also an ISPS Student Fellow, played a significant role in the organization and execution of the conference, ensuring that the objectives were met and the event ran smoothly. Acknowledging the importance of student engagement, ISPS emphasizes the necessity of preparing the next generation for roles that directly impact the future of public policy.
This first edition of the ISPS Student Conference on Cybersecurity Policies has set a benchmark for future collaborative events, aiming to equip Florida’s student body with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complex field of cybersecurity and public policy.
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