July 29, 2025

This piece is sponsored by Dakota State University. 

After discovering a love for computer science and teaching through middle school and high school classes, Dakota State University computer science student Mason Norberg connected with the Governors Cyber Academy and began helping with outreach events.

“I first started helping out when St. Thomas came to campus one morning and we taught them different topics, including programming, which is the lesson I taught that day,” Norberg said.

This led to Norberg helping plan and execute the first Camp Cyber. He also began helping with Learners Interest Days at Harrisburg elementary schools, developing and leading activities for students.

“The main reason I wanted to take on these events was because at this point, I loved teaching computer and cyber science topics to all ages,” he said.

Learners Interest Days in Harrisburg involves events for second through fifth graders and was created almost 10 years ago to allow students to explore career interests.

“Research shows learners as young as 2- to 4-years-old start to ‘cross off’ skills or jobs mentally, even before they enter kindergarten,” said Breanne Lynch, CTE coordinator for the Harrisburg School District. “The longer we can expose learners to various careers and skills through fun, hands-on, exploration opportunities the more apt they are to consider many options for their future.”

Norberg selected activities after he thought back to when he was in second grade and remembered how much he loved hands-on projects. He used Lego Spike to develop a maze to have the students complete by using the different blocks within the Lego Spike app.

“Mason and the DSU team always arrived prepared, organized and ready to interact with learners,” Lynch said. “It can be a challenge to find a quick connection with a K-5 grade age learner, but Mason was a natural. He was warm, invited questions and was always willing to sit on the floor and engage with learners collaboratively.”

Norberg led six of these events while also participating in a program exploration day and road shows, all which introduce students to cyber topics through hands-on activities.

“What I enjoy most about helping with the Governors Cyber Academy is that I’m able to teach important topics that everyone should know about all across the state,” he said. “I love the fact that I’m able to teach about topics that interest me to others.”

The Harrisburg School District spoke highly of Norberg’s efforts and impact.

“Mason was a fantastic addition to Harrisburg’s elementary Learner Interest Day lineup; he brought awareness of cyber careers through fun, engaging, hands-on activities,” Lynch said. “He is a wonderful advocate for his program and built instant relationships with learners. We’re grateful for his participation and enthusiasm.”