For its third consecutive year, the Laredo College Cybersecurity Institute will offer a free cybersecurity summer camp for high school students from July 24 to July 28.
Cybersecurity awareness and education are at the forefront with the rise of cyber threats and the ever-growing reliance on digital tools and devices in virtually every sphere of modern society. The AFA CyberCamp is an excellent opportunity for teenagers in our community interested in the cybersecurity field.
The camp, offered in partnership with the CyberPatriot Program, will be held at the Ft. McIntosh Campus D.D. Hachar Building the week of July 24 to July 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
CyberPatriot is the National Youth Cyber Education Program created by the Air Force Association to inspire K-12 students toward careers in cybersecurity or other STEM disciplines. At the core of the program is the National Youth Cyber Defense Competition, the nation’s largest cyber defense competition that puts high school and middle school students in charge of securing virtual networks.
The camp is designed for high school students who are just getting into cybersecurity or have cybersecurity knowledge and want to learn more. AFA CyberCamps emphasize fun, hands-on learning of cybersecurity principles that are relevant and applicable to everyday life.
Through these camps, students learn the importance of cyber safety and how to protect their personal devices and information from outside threats. Standard AFA CyberCamps teach beginner students the basics of cybersecurity, while Advanced AFA CyberCamps incorporate more complex concepts geared towards students who have previously participated in a camp or cyber defense competition.
“With the changing technology landscape in our country, cybersecurity is rapidly becoming a critical skill,” Computer Sciences and Technology Director Tekuani Perez said. “These camps are the catalyst that can jumpstart a passionate career in the field of cybersecurity. You don’t need a technical background to come and learn. We would love to have anyone that is curious about cybersecurity.”
With only 20 slots available, high school students are encouraged to register as soon as possible by visiting www.laredo.edu/cybercamp. The spaces will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information or questions regarding the camp, please contact the Cybersecurity Institute by emailing cyberinst@laredo.edu or calling (956) 721-5317 or (956) 721-5419.
