University of New Haven Again Offering Only Free GenCyber Summer Camp in Connecticut

Supported by the National Science Foundation and the National Security Agency, the GenCyber Agent Academy for high school students will take place July 22 to 27.

April 18, 2019

The University of New Haven's Tagliatela College of Engineering will offer, for the third consecutive year, Connecticut's only GenCyber Agent Academy for high school students.

Supported by the National Science Foundation and the National Security Agency, the camp, will take place on the University’s West Haven campus from July 22 to 27, will be offered to 20 girls and 20 boys free of charge. The students must be entering 9th through 12th grade in the fall.

To be considered for the camp, students must write a 500-word essay about why they want to attend and must have a letter of recommendation from a teacher. Applications to the CyberGen Agent Academy are due by May 31.

The camp will take place on the campus of the University of New Haven from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. Participation in the camp includes three meals a day. Funding for transportation is also available.

No previous experience in computing is necessary. Campers will be provided with different levels of training based on the students' experience and will be shown what it is like to pursue a career in cybersecurity.

"In 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 designed to increase interest in cybersecurity careers and diversity in the cybersecurity workforce. Activities 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.

Students will also participate in a cybersecurity competition and a scavenger hunt and learn about career opportunities in cybersecurity, a field that has one million job openings this year.

"In the University of New Haven's Tagliatela College of Engineering, we embrace teaching cybersecurity concepts starting at a young age," said Ibrahim Baggili, the camp’s director. "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."

Full-time faculty in the University of New Haven's Cyber Forensics Research and Education Group will teach the program. The group's work exposing vulnerabilities in popular apps has gained international attention.

Guest speakers throughout the camp will also discuss what is necessary for a career in cybersecurity and forensics and how to apply to colleges.

View a video feature about last year’s camp or daily recap videos.