Youth Programs

Empowering Future STEM Leaders: ArtemisNet and Sea Stars Shine at USF

Julian Maguregui |  October 21, 2023 |  USF Office of Youth Experiences

In a joint effort between the University of South Florida Office of Youth Experiences and the
USF student organization, ArtemisNet, young students from Hillsborough County Public Schools embarked on an exhilarating adventure to the USF Tampa Campus.

The Hillsborough County Public Schools' group, known as Sea Stars, is a group of 20 middle and high school girls, guided by accomplished female professionals in STEM fields. This program fosters mentorship and hands-on experience, paving the way for the next generation of women in technology, under the dedicated leadership of the program director, Alissa Himelfarb, who shared her perspective on the collaboration: "Working with USF's Office of Youth Experiences for the second consecutive year has been an exciting journey. The connection forged between Sea Stars and the college student group, Artemis Net, has illuminated the path of learning."

ArtemisNet, a USF student organization, excelled in conducting two engaging workshops that truly stood out as the highlight of the day. These workshops were instrumental in providing the Sea Stars with invaluable insights into the world of cybersecurity. The first workshop introduced the girls to the Python programming language, offering them a foundational skill crucial in today's cyber landscape.

The second workshop involved a comprehensive exploration of the fascinating Rubber Ducky technology. This workshop highlighted both the methods custom USB devices use to simulate USB keyboards and the intricate techniques hackers employ to access and manipulate devices

But that's not all; the young participants, guided by their mentors, also embarked on a
scavenger hunt across the USF Tampa Campus. This interactive journey allowed them to
familiarize themselves with the campus environment while nurturing their spirit of exploration.

This event not only showcased the boundless potential of young minds but also underscored the importance of mentorship and empowerment in the tech industry. In the words of Alissa Himelfarb, "It's truly inspiring to witness the girls learning from college students who will soon be shaping the world with their knowledge and enthusiasm." ArtemisNet's commitment to fostering the next generation of women in technology shines brightly, and their collaborative effort with the Sea Stars left an indelible mark on the USF Tampa Campus.

To partner with the USF Office of Youth Experiences, contact Caryn Preston at carynm@usf.edu.