Congratulations to Gold Award Girl Scout Victoria Tinch on being a 2026 Young Woman of Distinction Runner Up.

Staying Safe Online! Cybersecurity Curriculum

It’s hard these days for adults, much less children, to be aware of online cyber dangers. For her Gold Award project, Victoria created real life scenario lessons for 48 elementary and middle school students focused on cybersecurity, digital safety, and responsible online behavior.

Victoria had the opportunity to lead the classes and determined the impact of her project through quizzes she gave to the younger students. She also developed a family brochure to continue conversations about cybersecurity at home.

Security briefings

Victoria developed a three-lesson program for 48 elementary and middle school students, covering topics including various phishing scams, oversharing of personal details, risky online interactions, and online predatory behavior.

“Using fun and interactive lessons, games, and activities, I helped more children have the tools they needed to recognize risks and protect themselves in the digital world,” Victoria said.

Her goal was to have students share their new knowledge with friends and family for a safer cyber-digital age.

“The indirect audience—parents, siblings, and peers—learned facts from the students and brochures as well as resources to keep them safe,” she said.

Congratulations!

Victoria Tinch took the challenge of being a young woman of courage, confidence, and character to heart when she entered Girl Scouting six years go, and GSSEM is glad she did!

Victoria chats about her Gold Award project on our YouTube channel.

After graduating in 2027, Victoria plans on going to the University of Michigan to study computer science and business.

Find out more

Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan awarded an astounding 24 Gold Awards to a diverse group of dedicated Girl Scouts this year at the annual honors ceremony. 

Visit www.gssem.org/highestawards to learn more about the Girl Scout Gold Awards.