The 2024 GenCyber “Gateway to Cyber” Summer Camp is FREE and funded jointly by the National Security Agency and the National Science Foundation.
The Assumption University Center for Cybersecurity is honored to host its first 2024 GenCyber “Gateway to Cyber” Summer Camp for high school students (entering grades 10 – 12). This in-person camp is scheduled for July 15 – 19, 2024 and includes both pre- and post-camp activities. The camp teaches cybersecurity concepts using interactive and fun activities.
The 2024 GenCyber “Gateway to Cyber” Summer Camp is FREE and funded jointly by the National Security Agency and the National Science Foundation. All high school students in Massachusetts are eligible to apply. Special priority will be given to students from underrepresented groups in cybersecurity (minorities and women).
The GenCyber “Gateway to Cyber” Summer Camp will consist of four days of immersive, skills-based, hands-on exercises facilitated by Assumption University faculty and undergraduate student mentors with opportunities for knowledge and skills development, mentoring and relationship building, interaction with leading cybersecurity guest speakers, and will culminate with a one-day exercise.
Increase interest in cybersecurity careers and diversity in the cybersecurity workforce of Massachusetts by …
Building and expanding 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 annual GenCyber camps serving the greater central Massachusetts high school population
GenCyber “Gateway to Cyber” Summer Camp participants will, by the end of the camp experience, be able to:
Explain the following GenCyber 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
GenCyber 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 (minorities and females) are especially encouraged to apply and will receive priority consideration
Student entering grades 11 and 12 will receive priority consideration
No previous experience in cybersecurity is necessary
Requirements
Each applicant must submit, by June 15, 2024, the following:
The online application form (link above)
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.
Capacity
Only 40 spots are open for this camp.
Benefits
Each GenCyber “Gateway to Cyber” Summer Camp participant will receive:
A camp T-shirt
Webcam tatoos (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
Pre/post outreach activities that will prepare you for the camp and help you to remain connected with the faculty, undergraduate student mentors, and the greater cybersecurity workforce community once you return to your high school studies
Questions should be directed to Raymond Albert (Cybersecurity Program Director and Professor of Practice) at (508) 767-7594.
Camp Dates
Pre-camp (June 24 – July 12) online – includes Orientation (July 8) Online through Zoom
Camp (July 15 – 19) in person
Post-camp (July 22 – 31) online
Camp Location
Assumption University, 500 Salisbury St, Worcester, MA 01609
Camp Schedule
Monday – Friday (July 15 – 19, 2024) from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Monday – Thursday, in-class lessons and hands-on activities
Friday is an exciting Capture the Flag (CtF) Challenge
Snacks and lunch will be provided
The 2024 GenCyber “Gateway to Cyber” Summer Camp application is now available!
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