Elijah Baucom, director and lecturer of the UC Berkeley Cybersecurity Clinic at the School of Information and its Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity (CLTC), will receive the Chancellor’s Award for Community-Engaged Teaching, which honors leadership by faculty in developing or teaching community-engaged courses or in engaging students in community-based research. Baucom was nominated by CLTC Senior Fellow Grace Menna.
“Since becoming Director of the UC Berkeley Cybersecurity Clinic, [Baucom] has redefined cybersecurity not as a technical luxury but as a fundamental human right. Under his leadership, the Clinic has become a critical lifeline for social sector organizations that face politically motivated cyber threats yet lack the resources to defend themselves,” wrote Menna.
“This achievement would not be possible without the students who dedicate their time to providing pro bono services. Their sacrifices are often overlooked: they cultivate authentic relationships with client organizations and develop customized deliverables to truly meet their needs.”
Led by Baucom, the Cybersecurity Clinic has provided students with real-world experience assisting politically vulnerable organizations and persons around the world, developing and implementing sound cybersecurity practices. Through his leadership, the group has helped organizations protect themselves against state surveillance, recover and secure operational systems after financial breaches, and navigate censorship in volatile political environments.
“In receiving this award, I represent the various communities most impacted by the digital divide, systemic issues, and targeted threats. This award belongs to them and reflects our shared commitment to standing in solidarity,” said Baucom. “This achievement would not be possible without the students who dedicate their time to providing pro bono services. Their sacrifices are often overlooked: they cultivate authentic relationships with client organizations and develop customized deliverables to truly meet their needs.”
Outside of CLTC, Baucom is also the founder of Everyday Security, a company that provides cybersecurity, IT, and management consulting solutions to human rights defenders, movement-based organizations, activists, and the communities they support.
“[Baucom]’s approach is defined by deep empathy and accessibility. He operates on the principle that digital safety should be available to all, regardless of technical expertise or budget,” Menna wrote. “Consequently, he welcomes students from any major to his classes, with no technical prerequisites. Leading an interdisciplinary team of students, [Baucom] guides the creation of tailored vulnerability reports, extensive risk assessments, and actionable policy recommendations.”
This award will be presented at the annual Chancellor’s Awards for Public Service, taking place on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 2:30 pm at the Cal Alumni House.
