Elizabeth City, N.C. — Bowling, pool, free Chick-fil-A and conversations about cybersecurity careers might not sound like a typical technology event, but that was the point. Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) traded the traditional classroom setting for a more interactive atmosphere Oct. 21, during Cyber Fest 2026 at the ECSU Bowling Alley. The annual event promotes cybersecurity awareness and connects students with industry professionals for real-world career and workforce development opportunities.
Using the theme, “A Safer Tomorrow Together,” Cyber Fest combined an informal, activity-filled setting with conversations about the skills, training and professional connections students need to explore careers in cybersecurity and the technology industry. The event ran from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and students and employees had to complete the Cyber Bowl quiz on the spot to enter.
“The informal format worked particularly well,” said Lucien Frederic, Deputy Chief Information Officer and Chief Information Security Officer, who shared post-event highlights. “Students were able to enjoy food and activities while having conversations with technology and cybersecurity professionals.”
In addition to the fun, the event met one of its central goals: connecting students with organizations that can help them explore career pathways, access professional training and prepare for the workforce.
Participating partners included Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), CDW, MCNC and the National Guard. Conversations covered cybersecurity and technology services, professional academies, artificial intelligence (AI)-related opportunities, industry credentials, certifications, micro-credentials and internships.
The setting gave students an opportunity to ask questions and explore possibilities outside of their academic coursework. By bringing industry representatives directly to campus in a relaxed environment, ECSU created space for students to expand their networks.
Cyber Fest also complemented ECSU’s participation in Cyber Bowl, a month-long, statewide quiz competition running from Oct. 1 to Oct. 31, and organized by NC State University’s Cybersecurity Awareness Team in partnership with UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University. Cyber Bowl challenges participating campuses to boost cybersecurity knowledge through a short online quiz.
Feedback from students, staff and participating partners was positive, Frederic said. Partners also expressed strong interest in returning, and organizers were already discussing ways to expand the event and enhance the student experience in future years.
For Frederic, that response signals Cyber Fest’s potential to grow beyond a single day of awareness activities.
“One of my biggest takeaways is that Cyber Fest has the potential to become more than an annual awareness event,” he said. “It can serve as a bridge between our students and industry partners, creating opportunities for professional development, career exploration and workforce preparation.”
That bridge matters as students navigate an evolving technological world and consider how to turn their interests into careers. Access to industry professionals can help students identify relevant credentials, discover training opportunities, learn about internships and better understand what employers seek.
Cyber Fest’s message encouraged students to see themselves as future contributors to the technology workforce. As ECSU builds on the event’s success, students see more opportunities and realize that preparing for the future of technology can start with a conversation.
