Building on a UK success story
CyberFirst has built a successful network connecting schools, young people and industry across the UK. In 2025–26 alone, the programme reached 58,000+ students across 683 schools and institutions, supported by 280 industry partners.
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The Ontario pilot will build on this experience, creating new opportunities for young people to explore cyber skills and careers.
We're looking for schools in the Ontario/Ottawa area
We’re looking for five schools in Ontario, including the Ottawa area, to take part in the CyberFirst Canada pilot.
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Participating schools will give their students access to engaging cyber activities, competitions and opportunities designed to build skills, confidence and awareness of future pathways in cyber security and technology with support from regional industry ambassadors.
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Interested in getting your school involved? Complete the form below to register your interest.
CyberFirst Ambassadors
CyberFirst Ambassadors are industry professionals who bring cyber and technology to life for young people. They volunteer alongside schools to share their experience, support activities and provide students with insight into the skills, careers and opportunities available across the sector.
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By connecting education with industry, Ambassadors help inspire students and show them where their interest in technology could take them.
CyberFirst Girls Competition
Girls from participating Canadian schools will have the opportunity to take part in the CyberFirst Girls Competition, alongside thousands of students from schools across the UK.
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Supported by IBM, the competition challenges students to work together on engaging cyber activities covering areas such as coding, cryptography, logic and cyber security.Â
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For the first time, our Ontario schools will be able to compete alongside UK schools, bringing an exciting international edge to the programme and inspiring more girls to explore their potential in cyber and technology.
Celebration Event
At the end of the programme, participating schools will come together for a CyberFirst Canada Celebration Final, a chance to celebrate everything students and schools have achieved throughout the year.
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Students will receive certificates recognising their participation and achievements before putting their cyber skills to the test in an exciting Capture the Flag-style competition, created and hosted by Palo Alto Networks.
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The challenge will encourage teamwork, problem-solving and hands-on cyber skills in a fun, competitive environment. Palo Alto Networks has extensive experience delivering Capture the Flag activities designed around interactive learning and collaboration.Â
