Public Funding for Future Transformation Cic

**Cyber Security for Youth: Reducing Crime and Building Skills in West Yorkshire** is an innovative initiative designed to equip young people with essential cyber skills while reducing youth involvement in cybercrime. Delivered in partnership with West Yorkshire Police, Bradford Council, the University of Bradford, and local schools, the project will engage 500 young people aged 13-19 from underserved communities across the region. The programme focuses on teaching practical cyber security skills such as ethical hacking, data protection, and cyber defence through a series of workshops, hackathons, and interactive learning experiences. Participants will gain real-world experience in cyber security, preparing them for high-skilled jobs in this fast-growing sector. By focusing on at-risk youth, the project aims to prevent future involvement in cybercrime by offering positive and constructive alternatives. A key component of the programme is the **Cyber Resilience Academy**, a mobile classroom that will travel across West Yorkshire to reach young people in different communities. The academy will provide hands-on training in cyber defence tactics, including red team/blue team simulations and incident response exercises. Additionally, the programme will leverage the **Orion Spacecraft Replica**, an interactive learning tool that introduces participants to the intersection of cyber security and space exploration, inspiring interest in cutting-edge technologies. By building on the success of previous cyber programmes delivered by Future Transformation, which reached over 1050 students and achieved a 63% participation rate from BAME backgrounds, this project will help close the cyber skills gap in West Yorkshire. The initiative will also contribute to community safety by reducing youth crime and providing clear pathways into further education and employment in the cyber security sector. **Cyber Security for Youth** is a forward-thinking project that combines innovation, inclusivity, and crime prevention to create long-term benefits for both individuals and the wider community.