Each October, as the world turns its attention to Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Sentinels across the globe step beyond boardrooms and Zoom calls to make an impact where it counts: in the classroom.
From gymnasiums in Denmark to middle schools in New York, our employees are volunteering their time and talent to teach young people how to stay safe online. Whether through career talks, interactive Capture the Flag challenges, or first-time cybersecurity sessions for teens, these efforts are about more than education. They’re about connection, community, and inspiring the next generation of defenders.
Teaching Where It Matters Most
Zakk Karrazzi, an Enterprise Security Architect, didn’t need a formal invitation to get involved, his heart was already in the right place. “I speak to my teenage daughter about Internet safety when she’s online or on social media,” he said. “Children her age are vulnerable to things happening out there, like cyberbullying.”
So when SentinelOne launched a call for CyberSafe University — our annual global initiative to encourage cybersecurity education in local schools — Zakk didn’t hesitate. He brought his experience to South Orangetown Middle School in New York, teaching students how to think critically about passwords, privacy, and the way they interact with technology.
“You need to try to relate to them,” he explained. “If you tell them they need a strong password, they may not understand. But if you say: ‘You don’t want your friends to guess it, so if it’s your dog’s name, maybe it’s not great’, then it clicks.”
Zakk’s session didn’t just resonate with students. As the winner of our first-ever CyberSafe Raffle, he also secured a $10,000 grant from the S Foundation. “What an amazing opportunity to help my daughter’s school,” he said. “I’ve had a passion for this company before, but this philanthropy arm of ours brought it to a whole different level. It’s such an incredible thing we’re doing with this. I’m really proud to work here.”
Cybersecurity as a Career
Across the Atlantic in Denmark, Søren Høeberg Holm, Enterprise Sales Representative for the Nordics and Baltics, has been blazing a different but equally inspiring trail. Over the past two years, Søren has partnered with local NGO CyberSkills to bring hands-on cybersecurity workshops to high school students across the region.
“I could’ve done even more,” he admitted, “but I wanted to keep it to schools within an hour’s drive so I could spend more time with the students and less time traveling.”
Each workshop blends practical insight with personal storytelling. Søren introduces cybersecurity not as a mysterious, tech-only field but as a dynamic career space filled with opportunities, especially for young people who might not otherwise see themselves in it.
“There’s a misconception that it’s all about coding or being a ‘nerd,’” he said. “But the truth is, we have nearly 3,000 people here in all kinds of roles — legal, customer success, support, product. There’s space for everyone.”
These talks spark curiosity, especially around practical topics like salaries, internships, and how to break into the field. Søren emphasizes that even a local habit of taking a sabbatical year before starting university can be used to build relevant experience. And access to this kind of information early on can shape career trajectories.
The Power of Experience
But talk is just the beginning. The real magic happens when the students get hands-on.
Søren’s workshops culminate in a Capture the Flag (CTF) competition powered by SentinelOne’s own Purple AI, the same toolset we use with enterprise customers. “There’s no simplification,” he said. “These students tackle real-world threat scenarios and often do just as well as professional teams.”
During one recent session, a student team completed nearly 80% of the challenges in under an hour — performance on par with adult professionals. In a follow-up survey, students overwhelmingly rated the CTF as their favorite part.
“It’s a powerful learning experience,” Søren noted. “They’re not just watching. They’re doing.”
What We’ve Accomplished So Far
Since its launch just over two years ago, CyberSafe University has already grown into a global movement:
- over 100 Sentinels have volunteered
- more than 40 schools engaged
- 12K students reached across 8 countries
And it’s just getting started.
A Call to Action
For Zakk, the impact was personal. “Teenagers don’t want to hear anything from their parents. That’s just how it is,” he said, smiling. “So this was a great opportunity to connect and make a memory. I think my daughter might even be a little proud of me now.”
For Søren, it’s about responsibility. “I’m in a great company, in a senior position, with a good salary,” he said. “That gives me a sense of duty to educate others and help students be better prepared for the adult life that awaits them.”
And for all of us at SentinelOne, these programs are more than feel-good stories. They’re a reflection of who we are. They demonstrate that we’re not just in the business of protecting endpoints — we’re helping build the next generation of cybersecurity talent and create a Secure Tomorrow for all.