Cybersecurity programs offer you insight into a field that explores the fundamentals of digital security and understands the importance of safeguarding online systems and data. These online programs enable you to develop technical expertise, strengthen your knowledge of network security, and build problem-solving and analytical thinking skills. These skills can come in handy while applying to future research programs or internships in the field!
Additionally, the virtual nature of these programs makes them quite accessible, especially if you’re looking for a flexible opportunity without the logistical hassles that an in-person program may come with.
In this blog, we highlight 8 online cybersecurity programs tailored for high school students:
1. IUPUI’s Cybersecurity Summer Camp
Location: In-person at Indiana University, IN, or virtual.
Application Deadline: Typically in May.
Program Dates: June 3 — June 7 (Based on 2024).
Eligibility: High school students
Cost: Fully funded, free to attend, with lunch included for students joining in person.
This one-week cybersecurity summer camp at IU Indianapolis selects about 25 students for its on-campus edition.
Once accepted, you’ll learn from IT and computer science professionals, building skills to “detect, diagnose, and fix” digital vulnerabilities. The curriculum includes operating system fundamentals, vulnerability detection, and network security. For more flexibility, the program also offers virtual camps, providing broader access to this training opportunity.
2. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program – George Mason University
Location: Manassas, VA | Virtual and hybrid options available.
Application Deadline: Usually in February
Program Dates: 8 weeks between June and August
Eligibility: Interns must be at least 15 years old at the start date of the program for in-person, remote, or hybrid internships in computer labs. For in-person or hybrid “wet-lab” internships, interns must be at least 16 years old by the start date of the program.
Cost/Stipend: No stipend is available, the $25 application fee can be waived based on financial need.
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University offers an opportunity for high school and undergraduate students to explore research in computer science and cybersecurity. As an intern, you will collaborate one-on-one with faculty and researchers on technology projects, exploring cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data mining, machine learning, computer modeling, and data science for social good.
In addition to research, the program guides you on STEM career pathways and helps refine skills in scientific writing and communication. You can also publish your research in scientific journals and present your findings at conferences.
3. Cybersecurity Internship Program – US Homeland Security Careers
Location: The majority of placements are virtual
Application Deadline: January 21 – 25
Program Dates: 10-12 weeks (months not specified)
Eligibility: US high school students who are at least 16 years of age with a 2.0 GPA
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
The U.S. Homeland Security Cybersecurity Internship Program offers high school and college students an opportunity to collaborate with cyber leaders at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). As an intern, you will combine coursework with practical applications, working alongside cybersecurity and IT experts on critical DHS missions.
Projects address a wide range of tasks, including identifying and analyzing malicious code, conducting forensic investigations, managing cybersecurity incidents, implementing intrusion detection and prevention, ensuring software security, overseeing data management, optimizing cloud and web services, and supporting network operations. This experience provides hands-on training and gives you an insight into future careers in cybersecurity and IT, by training you in the technical and analytical skills needed in these fields.
4. National Cyber League Competition
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: March 21
Program Dates: NA
Eligibility: Must be at least 13 years old, enrolled in high school, collegiate institution, apprenticeship, or academic boot camp. The program is only open to U.S. and Canadian residents.
Cost: $35 for registration ($45 for late registration).
The National Cyber League (NCL) Competition offers students the chance to tackle real-world cybersecurity challenges, such as identifying hackers from forensic data, conducting penetration tests on websites, and recovering from ransomware attacks. All activities are browser-based, making participation simple and accessible.
You receive a personalized Scouting Report outlining your performance and skill set—which can be used in your college applications and resumes. To prepare, the NCL provides practice challenges and a Practice Game for skill-building before the competition. While no coding experience is required, having a basic understanding of cybersecurity concepts can enhance your readiness.
5. Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Usually between February and March(Based on previous years)
Program Dates: 2 weeks in July
Eligibility: All female and non-binary high school students
Cost: $300 need-based grants available for eligible high school students
The Summer Immersion Program (SIP) by Girls Who Code is dedicated to advancing gender equality in tech by equipping participants with computer science knowledge and industry connections. This 2-week virtual program introduces you to the fundamentals of game design, covering beginner to intermediate coding concepts, the design process, and UX basics.
For added flexibility, SIP also offers a 6-week self-paced option, allowing you to work on projects at your own pace. The program also conducts partner-sponsored events with organizations like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Microsoft, Logitech, and Apple. These events provide opportunities to network with mentors and industry experts, building your career readiness.
While SIP doesn’t focus specifically on cybersecurity, it offers a foundation in coding and tech concepts, which can serve as a stepping stone for future pursuits in technology, including cybersecurity.
6. Veritas AI programs
Location: Virtual.
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: High school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Cost: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase | $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Veritas AI offers high school students collaborative, small-group learning experiences with personalized project pathways and 1:1 mentorship. Designed and led by Harvard graduate students and alumni, the programs immerse you in research and AI applications.
The AI Fellowship program allows you to collaborate with PhD students on their research projects, exploring fields that intersect with computer science and artificial intelligence. For example, you could work on a cybersecurity project developing an AI-driven system to detect and mitigate cyber threats in real-time. Past projects have included topics like AI in finance, medicine, and educational software.
7. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Cybersecurity Track
Location: Virtual.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June – August), Fall (September – December), Winter (December – February), and Spring (March – June).
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week program designed for high school students seeking 1-on-1 mentorship to develop independent research projects. You’ll be paired with a Ph.D. mentor who guides you through selecting a topic, conducting research, and writing a research paper.
With opportunities to explore diverse fields such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, and international relations, you can tailor the program to your academic interests. By the end of the program, you’ll have produced a university-level research paper, that you could add to your resume and college applications.
Learn more about the program and apply here.
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in cybersecurity, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from.
You can find the application link here!
Image source – Indiana University Indianapolis logo
