University of New Haven Offers Free GenCyber Security and Forensics Camp for Teens

Sponsored by the National Science Foundation and the National Security Agency, it is the only GenCyber security and forensics camp in Connecticut.

April 6, 2018

The University of New Haven's Tagliatela College of Engineering will offer, for the second year in a row, Connecticut's only GenCyber security and forensics camp for high school students, the GenCyber Agent Academy.

The GenCyber Agent Academy, sponsored by the National Science Foundation and the National Security Agency, will be offered to 20 girls and 20 boys free of charge. The students must be entering 9th through 12th grade in the fall.

The camp will take place on the campus of the University of New Haven from July 24 to 29 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day.

Full-time faculty in the University of New Haven's Cyber Forensics Laboratory will teach the program. The group's work exposing flaws in various phone apps has been featured worldwide.

To be considered for the camperships, students must write a 500-word essay about why they want to attend the camp and must have a letter of recommendation from a teacher. Applications to the CyberGen Agent Academy are due by May 15.

No previous experience in computing is necessary. Campers will be provided with different levels of training based on the students' experience.

"At the University of New Haven's Tagliatela College of Engineering, we embrace teaching cybersecurity concepts starting at a young age. We are passionate about involving underrepresented minority students in this effort and teaching skills to the future generation of the cybersecurity workforce that will protect our nation." Ibrahim Baggili, the camp director, and the project's principle investigator.

The camp is a first chance for teens to look at cybersecurity and consider working toward a career in a job market that has one million job openings this year.

The camp will be supported by the lead instructor Liberty Page, a computer science instructor at the University with many years of experience in teaching science in Connecticut public schools, and Frank Breitinger, assistant professor of computer science, and the University's hacking team mentor.

Activities at the camp will include an introduction to Python programming, cyber forensics, virtual reality, network defense and hacking concepts, investigating drones, and learning from experts in the field about their careers and their jobs. Students will also participate in a cyber competition and a scavenger hunt.

Speakers will also discuss what is necessary for a career in cybersecurity and forensics and how to apply to colleges.

Participation in the camp includes three meals a day. Funding for transportation is also available.