(Duluth, Minn.) – Students can explore personal computer security and cybersecurity career opportunities at free online summer camps offered at Lake Superior College. Registration is now open for GenCyber career exploration online camps for youth ages 12-18.
GenCyber camps are part of a program sponsored by the National Security Agency to encourage youth to pursue cyber careers that are key to the cyber defense of the United States.
The virtual Introductory GenCyber and Advanced GenCyber camps are for students in grades 7-12, ages 12-18. The Intro to GenCyber Camp will run July 27 to 31, 2020 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the Advanced GenCyber Camp will run August 3 to 7, 2020 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Campers in the Introductory GenCyber Camp will receive an overview on Raspberry pi hardware and troubleshooting, networking, programming, social and personal computer security and cybersecurity careers.
The Advanced GenCyber Camp is for students ages 12-18 who have completed Introductory GenCyber Camp or have other experience. Topics include:
- Robot programming
- Cybersecurity and encryption techniques
- Advanced Python scripting
- Cybersafety
Camp participants must have access to a computer to do the programming parts of the camp which is not possible on a tablet.
Lake Superior College is a designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). LSC is the only two-year community and technical college in the Minnesota to earn this designation.
LSC has taken a leadership role in providing focused cybersecurity education through a number of initiatives. Lake Superior College offers a Network Administration and Cybersecurity AAS degree that is available online or on campus. It is nationally ranked as one of top 25 best online Associate Degrees in Cybersecurity and as a top ten most affordable online Associate’s Degree in Cybersecurity.
GenCyber Cybersecurity Camp is funded by the National Security Agency. For young people with an interest in a career in cybersecurity, GenCyber is a chance to learn first-hand about the latest technology in a college or university setting. GenCyber's mission is to teach students cyber safety and encourage interest in cybersecurity careers that are critically needed in the United States. The program includes summer camps across the nation designed for elementary, middle, and high school students, and teachers. The camps focus on engaging the learners with sound cybersecurity principles and teaching techniques.
According to the NSA, the vision for the GenCyber Camp program to be part of the solution to the shortfall of skilled cybersecurity professionals. The risk of cyber attacks and intrusions continues to rise. People with cybersecurity skills are needed for the federal government, state and local governments, the military, private industry, nonprofits, and for individuals for their personal assets. Key industries such as financial, transportation, water, power, and others are critical to the safety and well-being of U.S. citizens. They, in particular, need cybersecurity talent.
