10 Cybersecurity Summer Camps for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- May 19
- 6 min read
If you're a high school student curious about technology and digital security, summer camps in cybersecurity can be a great way to explore the field. These programs often cover topics like ethical hacking, cryptography, and network security, using hands-on exercises and real-world examples. Unlike full pre-college programs, they tend to be shorter and more affordable, making them accessible options for students looking to build foundational skills and learn from professionals in the field.
Unlike semester-long high school courses or university-affiliated pre-college programs, cybersecurity camps are immersive and hosted by independent organizations, tech companies, or government agencies. This makes them a great option if you want specialized training and real-world learning in a condensed format. You'll also connect with professionals and like-minded peers, gaining valuable insights into cybersecurity careers. To help you find the right program, we’ve curated a list of 10 top cybersecurity summer camps for high school students.
Sponsored by the National Security Agency’s (NSA) GenCyber program, UMKC’s GenCyber Camp is a one-week cybersecurity summer camp for high school students. The program covers internet safety, cryptography, ethics, network scanning, and deep fakes, providing a broad introduction to cybersecurity.
Students engage in both theoretical lessons and hands-on activities, building technical skills while developing critical thinking. Open to all high school students, regardless of prior experience, the camp offers an accessible way to explore cybersecurity concepts. Participants also gain exposure to real-world applications, preparing them for further studies or potential careers in the field.
Cost: Free
Location: UMKC Campus, Kansas City, MO
Dates: Camp 1: July 22–26; Camp 2: July 29–August 2 (tentative)
Application Deadline: Not available
Eligibility: Rising 9th to 12th graders
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment
This one-week cybersecurity summer camp at IU Indianapolis is highly selective, admitting only 25 students for its on-campus program. Participants learn from IT and computer science professionals, gaining hands-on experience in detecting, diagnosing, and fixing digital vulnerabilities.
The curriculum covers operating system fundamentals, vulnerability detection, and network security, providing a strong foundation in cybersecurity. A virtual option is also available for students who cannot attend in person, ensuring broader access to the program’s training.
Cost: Free, lunch included for in-person attendees
Location: Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN (in-person) or virtual
Dates: June 3–7 (tentative)
Application Deadline: May 20 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school students
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 25 students (competitive selection process)
PNW’s GenCyber Camps use a gamified and interactive approach to make cybersecurity concepts more engaging. Through lab research, game-based exercises, and case studies, students explore topics like wireless network security, cryptography, and ethical hacking. The hands-on format helps develop both cybersecurity awareness and practical skills. Participants receive a certificate upon completion, which can be useful for those considering cybersecurity-related majors in college.
Cost: Free
Location: Purdue University Northwest, Hammond Campus, Anderson Building
Dates: June 9–13
Application Deadline: Rolling admission
Eligibility: High school students
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment
Hosted by the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana (UAHT), this two-week cybersecurity summer camp is part of the GenCyber initiative, funded by the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity. The program provides hands-on training in cybersecurity, covering concepts such as defense in depth, confidentiality, integrity, and adversarial thinking.
Participants engage in interactive activities, simulations, and mentorship opportunities to understand cyberattacks from both victim and adversary perspectives. Industry experts offer guidance on education and career pathways, and students complete a security research project, presenting their findings at the end of the program.
Cost: Free
Location: UAHT Texarkana Campus, AR
Dates: Week 1 runs from July 14–17, and Week 2 from July 21–24.
Application Deadline: Registration details coming soon
Eligibility: Rising 7th–12th graders from select school districts (Ashdown, Fouke, Genoa, Hope, Liberty-Eylau, Nashville, Pleasant Grove, TASD, TISD)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 50 students (registration required, limited spots)
Affiliated with the CyberPatriot Program by the Air Force Association (AFA), AFA CyberCamps offer a five-day immersive cybersecurity training experience for high school students. These camps are hosted by schools, universities, CAP squadrons, and tech companies. They provide provide a strong foundation in cybersecurity fundamentals, including security policies, file protection, networking, and cyber ethics. The program also helps prepare students for CyberPatriot’s National Youth Cyber Defense Competition, making it a valuable option for those interested in competitive cybersecurity and ethical hacking.
Cost: Standard Camps: $1,200 | Advanced Camps: $1,500
Location: Various locations across the U.S.
Dates: Camps are held between June 2 and August 15.
Application Deadline: Varies by host institution
Eligibility: Standard Camps are open to all high school students with proficiency in English, while Advanced Camps require prior cybersecurity knowledge.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Varies by location
The USF High School CyberCon is a five-day summer camp structured as a cybersecurity conference, bringing together USF Colleges, Departments, and Student Organizations with industry leaders from the public and private sectors. Participants receive hands-on cybersecurity training, attend lectures, and network with professionals. The program introduces students to career pathways in cybersecurity through mentorship and interactive sessions. A key feature of the camp is a week-long Capture the Flag (CTF) competition, allowing students to apply their skills in a real-world challenge.
Cost: $450
Location: USF Tampa Campus, FL
Dates: July 21 – July 25
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions (until spots fill)
Eligibility: Open to high school students in grades 9–12.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment
The CU Denver GenCyber Summer Camp, hosted by the CU Denver Business School, offers an interactive, hands-on introduction to cybersecurity for high school students in Colorado. The program covers topics such as ethical hacking, social engineering, digital forensics, networking fundamentals, and cyber threats. Participants gain practical experience through virtual labs, cybersecurity games, and Raspberry Pi kits. No prior cybersecurity knowledge is required, making the camp accessible to beginners. At the end of the program, students receive a Certificate of Achievement.
Cost: Free (Funded by the NSA & NSF)
Location: Online
Dates: July 15 – July 19, 2024 (tentative)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions (until spots fill)
Eligibility: Open to high school students in Colorado.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment (limited spots available)
The Marillyn A. Hewson Cybersecurity Summer Camp introduces high school students in the Tuscaloosa area to cybersecurity and web infrastructure. The program offers two levels: a beginner-friendly camp and an advanced option for those seeking a deeper challenge. Hosted in collaboration with Culverhouse faculty, it includes research-based projects and hands-on exercises. As part of the CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Education Program, the camp also familiarizes students with cybersecurity career pathways. Participants gain insight into CyberPatriot’s National Youth Cyber Defense Competition, where they practice securing virtual networks in real-world simulations.
Cost: Free
Location: University of Alabama, Culverhouse College of Business
Dates: Camp 1: June 2 – June 6; Camp 2: June 9 – June 13
Application Deadline: Registration details TBD
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9 – 12) in the Tuscaloosa area
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment (limited spots)
Hosted by San Jose State University (SJSU), the Cyber-AI Summer Camp introduces high school students to cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Funded by the Workforce Innovation Technology Hubs (WITH) Program at CSU, this free five-day camp explores the intersection of AI and cyber defense. Participants engage in lab activities, expert-led lectures, and interactive discussions led by SJSU faculty and students. Topics include cybersecurity threats, AI applications, and practical defense strategies. Supporting devices are provided for in-lab exercises, and lunch is included each day.
Cost: Free
Location: San Jose State University, CA
Dates: July 21 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 25
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9 – 12) from the local area
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Limited seats available (apply early)
The Delgado GenCyber Cyber Sleuth Camp introduces high school students to Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR). Hosted by Delgado Community College, this hands-on program teaches investigation skills using professional forensics tools and techniques. Participants work on cybersecurity cases while learning practical cyber self-defense strategies. The camp also provides insight into career pathways in cybersecurity and DFIR.
Cost: Free
Location: Delgado City Park Campus and Delgado Westbank Campus
Dates: June 21-28 (tentative)
Application Deadline: March 3 (tentative)
Eligibility: Students in grades 8 – 12 enrolled in a U.S. high school
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment (limited spots available)
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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