Cyber Defense Training Camp
Cyber Defense Training Camp (Returning Summer 2025)
During this summer program, rising 11th and 12th grade students learn and apply their skills in intermediate networking, programming, hacking, and more while learning about the careers in cybersecurity and cybersecurity options at the University of Maryland. Learn more here.
Cyber Defense
Program Overview (Returning Summer 2025)
Summary
Cyber Defense Training Camp is a 1-week, residential summer program for rising junior and senior high school students. Participants will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge of cybersecurity and gain practical skills through instruction by an experienced security professional. Students learn about career options in the field, take at least one field trip and hear from a variety of speakers to learn more about how to prepare to enter this exciting profession. Additionally, students will be introduced to the Advanced Cybersecurity Experience for Students (ACES) honors program offered at the University of Maryland.
*Technical experience is recommended, including networking, Cisco Academy, and/or Java programming.
View photo gallery of our camps.
Goals
To prepare the next generation of cybersecurity professionals through interactive learning, skill-building, and utilization of available resources. Participants will be introduced to the cybersecurity programs available at the University of Maryland and they will be exposed to various topics and careers in the field of cybersecurity.
Program Dates and Times
- Dates: Monday, June 26 - Friday, June 30, 2023
- Time: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Lunch at 1:00 PM with a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous instructional activities.)
Program Details
Typical Day
10:00 AM Introduction to Cybersecurity
11:00 AM Linux Basics
12:00 PM Basic CLI Navigation
1:00 PM Lunch
2:00 PM Field Trip or Guest Speaker/Panel
2:30 PM Linux & Basic CLI Navigation Exercises & Kahoot
4:30 PM Daily Wrap-up
6:00 PM Evening Social Activity: Drawing Twins
*Field trips and guest speakers may be scheduled during Classroom Instruction time blocks.
The Curriculum
- Operating Systems
- System Administration
- Networking
- Programming
Additional Activities
- Campus Tour
- Field trip to the NSA Cryptologic Museum
- Cyber Defense Exercises
- Team Building Exercises
- Guest Speakers
Please note that the schedule is subject to change as new opportunities arise.
Cost
The cost of the residential program is $1250. This fee covers program materials, activity costs, room, and board. Please do not include the fee at the time of application. The fee is due upon acceptance to the program. This, however, does not cover transportation to and from the program. We do not offer transportation to and from the program, so all travel arrangements are to be made by the student and their families.
At this time we do not offer refunds.
Program Application
Eligibility: Technical experience is recommended, including networking, Cisco Academy, and/or Java programming. Participants must be rising 11th or 12th graders (no exceptions).
Required Documentation:
- Unofficial Transcript
- 2 Names of References and their emails
TRANSCRIPTS:
All applicants must upload this form or send their most recent UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS to i4c_k12@umd.edu. Applications without corresponding transcripts will not be evaluated for the program. Transcripts must be sent within two weeks of the submitted application.
REFERENCES:
All participants must supply a name and email for two references. This person should preferably be a teacher or instructor of a computing/cyber training/camp the student has attended or a math/science teacher. References will be contacted via email to complete a reference form. If you need to update or provide additional information about your reference, please email i4c_k12@umd.edu
Please title all emails as follows:
Applicants First and Last Name - Cyber Defense Application 2023.
Example: John Smith - Cyber Defense Application 2023.
How to Apply:
I4C Summer Academy Applications open in January 2024.
Need-based scholarships are available for eligible students living in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia: Coming Soon
Once accepted, you must pay a $250 deposit to confirm your spot.
Past Camps
Contact Information
If you have any questions, please contact: