GenCyber Host a Camp

The GenCyber program seeks to ignite, increase and sustain cybersecurity interest at the K-12 level in order to build a competent, diverse, and adaptable cybersecurity workforce pipeline through alignment with the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C). The GenCyber program strives to be a part of the solution to the Nation’s shortfall of skilled cybersecurity professionals. Ensuring that enough young people are inspired to utilize their talents in cybersecurity is critical to the future of our country’s national and economic security as we become even more reliant on cyber-based technology in every aspect of our daily lives. The program also increases cybersecurity hygiene practices for all participants therefore increasing the security posture of the nation.

The GenCyber program aligns with the NCAE-C program in order to provide awareness of college and career pathway opportunities for K12 students and educators. Program participants do not have to be designated NCAE-C institutions to apply to host a GenCyber program. The GenCyber program office works collaboratively with federal partners to ensure that the program continues to have a nation-wide impact on the K12 cybersecurity education ecosystem. To ensure a level playing field in developing cybersecurity career pathway opportunities, GenCyber camps and events are offered FREE to all student and teacher participants.

• GenCyber Student Programs provide students with age-appropriate cybersecurity learning opportunities for in a standards-based and organized curriculum promoting the GenCyber Cybersecurity Concepts, ethics, cybersecurity careers, and online safety.
• GenCyber Teacher Programs provide a comprehensive learning experience based on the GenCyber Cybersecurity Concepts, ethics, cybersecurity careers, and online safety. These programs should include helping teachers with the preparation of cybersecurity lesson plans designed for implementation in their classrooms.
• GenCyber Combination Programs provide both students and teachers with the content needed; students will be engaged in hands-on learning, while teachers are taught both cybersecurity content and how to teach the cybersecurity content in the K-12 classroom.

All GenCyber camps (Student, Teacher, and Combination) are expected to run a minimum of five days to include at least 30 intensive instructional hours. Programs must also offer a 24-30 hours of pre-camp and post-camp outreach, teacher camps an additional 8-10 hours(see the CFP for additional details). Instructional hours are defined as those blocks of time in which participants are actively engaged in learning (lecture, guest speakers, labs, hands-on activities, field trips, etc.).