Increase interest in cybersecurity careers and diversity in the cybersecurity workforce of Massachusetts by …
Supporting the expansion of a statewide network of students, teachers, and professional in order to provide mentoring and career pathways from K-12 through to undergraduate training and cybersecurity positions in government and industry,
Increasing the number of underrepresented populations, including females, pursuing cybersecurity careers, and
Establishing the annual “Gateway to Cyber” summer camps to serve the greater central Massachusetts high school population
“Gateway to Cyber” Summer Camp participants will, by the end of the camp experience, be able to:
Explain the following Cybersecurity Concepts, and how they apply to everyday security situations:
Defense in Depth
Confidentiality
Integrity
Availability
Think Like an Adversary
Keep it Simple
Explain fundamental legal, social, and ethical issues concerning cybersecurity
Utilize basic cybersecurity tools and techniques to defend against attackers
Outline a career path from high-school graduation, through college programs, and into specific cybersecurity careers
Work individually and as part of a team in cybersecurity settings
Network with cybersecurity professionals and students using online platforms
Cybersecurity Concepts
Multi-factor authentication (Defense in Depth)
Cryptographic principles (Confidentiality and Integrity)
Drone hacking (Availability)
Social engineering and password cracking techniques and defenses (Think like an Adversary)
Computer programming (Keep it Simple)
Setup & Introduction to the Command Line
A Brief History of Hacking, Cybercrime and Ethics
Discord, Cybersecurity Clubs, and Professional Cybersecurity Organizations
Career Paths in Cybersecurity with leading guest speakers
Password Cracking, Strengthening and MFA
Vulnerability & Exploit Basics with Drone telemetry
Wifi Hacking Capture-the-Flag (CtF) Adventure
GenCyberCoin Adventure
Development of a personal, security-oriented Linux distribution to facilitate continued learning after the camp
Eligibility
Must be a student entering 10th grade to 12th grade in Massachusetts
Be able to participate for the full week of camp in addition to remote pre- and post-camp activities
Students from underrepresented groups in cybersecurity are encouraged to apply
Student entering grades 11 and 12 will receive priority consideration
No previous experience in cybersecurity is necessary
Requirements
Each applicant must submit, by June 14, 2026, the following:
A letter of recommendation from a teacher or a 250-500 word essay explaining why you are interested in attending the camp
If selected, a parental consent form will be required. A parental consent form will be sent to the provided parent/guardian’s email address.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Questions should be directed to Raymond Albert (Cybersecurity Program Director and Professor of Practice) at (508) 767-7594, rt.albert@assumption.edu
Each “Gateway to Cyber” Summer Camp participant will receive:
A camp T-shirt
Webcam tattoos (spy blocker)
USB Flash Drive
An opportunity to win Capture-the-Flag competition prizes
VPN access to the WiFi Hacking range and GenCyberCoin environment
One-on-one engagement opportunities with Assumption University faculty and undergraduate student mentors (including Cyber Club members) to achieve learning objectives
Why Cybersecurity?
A Career That Matters (and Pays)
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing fields in the world, with opportunities in:
Government & national security
Tech companies & startups
Healthcare & finance
Ethical hacking & digital forensics
This camp helps you explore if it’s the right path—before college.
