Connecticut's First-Ever GenCyber Security and Forensics Camp for Teens Offered This Summer

The University of New Haven's Tagliatela College of Engineering will offer this summer Connecticut's first-ever GenCyber security and forensics camp for high school students. 

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 ninth 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.

The program will be taught by full-time faculty in the University of New Haven's Cyber Forensics Laboratory. 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. Different levels of training will be offered 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," said Ibrahim Baggili, Elder Family endowed chair professor of engineering and assistant dean of the college.

"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, network defense and hacking concepts, investigating the information compiled on drones, and learning from experts in the field about their careers and their jobs.

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.

More information is available at cyberagent@newhaven.edu