Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing fields today, and if you’re thinking about studying computer science, IT, or security in the future, starting early with a cybersecurity summer camp can give you an edge.
Cybersecurity summer camps for high school students are designed to help you work on advanced skillsets and gain experience in areas like ethical hacking, cryptography, digital forensics, and system defense. You get to practice directly with the kinds of tools and challenges that professionals use, which makes the learning more practical than what you usually get in school.
Camps differ from other year-round programs because they are shorter, super structured, and usually focus on just one subject. Instead of spreading your time across different topics, you spend one or two weeks digging into cybersecurity through lectures, labs, and team-based competitions. This setup makes them easier to fit into your summer schedule while still giving you in-depth exposure to the field.
With that in mind, here are 15 cybersecurity summer camps for high school students!
15 Cybersecurity Summer Camps for High School Students
1. Cyber Immersion Summer Camp
Location: Norwich University, Northfield, Vermont
Cost/Stipend: $500 ($100 Deposit Required); Scholarship of $400 available for limited students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 13 – July 18
Application Deadline: May 17
Eligibility: Rising students in grades 7th-9th
Norwich University’s week-long Cyber Immersion Summer Camp is suitable for all high school students interested in cybersecurity, regardless of their level of understanding in the subject. You will participate in interactive sessions where you will learn the fundamentals of coding languages such as Python, Linux, Metasploit, Nmap, and Wireshark. You will also focus on topics like digital forensics, artificial intelligence, ethical hacking, information warfare, and more. In addition to these technical skills, you will also gain insights into having a career in computer science or cybersecurity.
2. AFA CyberCamp
Location: Various locations throughout the United States
Cost/Stipend: Free; some locations might charge you for the camp
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by hosting location
Dates: June 2 – August 15 (the camp will be scheduled for five consecutive days within this date range, and the exact dates vary by location)
Application Deadline: Varies by hosting location
Eligibility: Open to all age groups, but middle school and high school students are given more preference; some hosting locations may require you to be enrolled in a high school in their area
AFA CyberCamp is a five-day summer program that introduces you to the world of cybersecurity. It is designed to help more students build interest in cybersecurity and other STEM fields. Camps are hosted by schools, universities, CAP squadrons, and other local groups, with all the learning materials provided by the Air & Space Forces Association. You can join at two levels. The standard level is meant for beginners who are just starting, while the advanced level is for students who already have some knowledge of cybersecurity.
During the camp, you learn about cyber ethics, online safety, and the basics of securing Windows and Linux systems. You also practice protecting virtual networks through hands-on activities. After completing the camp, you have the chance to take part in the CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Defense Competition, where students from across the country put their skills to the test.
3. “Gateway to Cyber” Summer Camp
Location: Assumption University Center for Cybersecurity, Worcester, Massachusetts
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 30 spots
Dates: July 14 – July 18
Application Deadline: June 15
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10 to 12 and living in Massachusetts
The “Gateway to Cyber” Summer Camp at Assumption University is a four-day program where you get trained in the core concepts of cybersecurity. Faculty and undergraduate students guide you through hands-on activities that cover topics like multi-factor authentication, cryptographic principles, drone hacking, and password cracking. You also get the chance to meet cybersecurity professionals who share their experiences and give you a look at career opportunities in the field.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Full financial aid is available!
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
5. Horizon Academic Research Program
Location: Online
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 3 – 6 students per class for the Horizon Seminars
Dates: Varies by cohort
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Academically gifted high school students
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, cybersecurity, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research.
Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects.
6. CyberSpartans Summer Camp
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: $250 (students from low-income backgrounds can register for free)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited spots available
Dates: July 7-11
Application Deadline: June (tentatively)
Eligibility: High school students from all over the United States
The University of Tampa runs a five-day summer camp that teaches cybersecurity through a game-like format. It is open to beginners, but also works well if you already know some basics. You take part in activities while learning about Linux, computer networking, web security, open-source intelligence, encryption, and passwords. The program is online and also gives you chances to connect with professionals who share practical tips about building a career in cybersecurity. By the end, you gain a solid introduction to both offensive and defensive cybersecurity.
7. Hacker High School: Introduction to Cybersecurity
Location: Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut
Cost/Stipend: $2,400 for students who will commute to the program; $3,360 for students who will stay on campus (financial aid available on a need basis)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Maximum 30, but can be lower depending on the availability of equipment
Dates: July 14 – 25
Application Deadline: June 2
Eligibility: High school students aged 15 to 18
Hacker High School: Introduction to Cybersecurity is a two-week pre-college program at Quinnipiac University. Run by the university’s Information Security staff, it introduces you to the tools and techniques used by professionals in the field. You study how hacking works so that you can safeguard your own data from cyber fraud. The curriculum includes internet infrastructure, malware, attack analysis, digital forensics, email safety, web security, and privacy.
8. Central Texas Cyber Program Summer Camp
Location: Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative (BRIC), Waco, Texas
Cost/Stipend: Free, with all resources provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 21
Dates: June 9 – June 13
Application Deadline: May 1 (start applying before April 1, as camp starts reviewing applications on this date, and registrations will close early if all spots are filled)
Eligibility: Students from grades 9 to 12
Central Texas Cyber Program Summer Camp is a free, five-day experience hosted by Baylor University and McLennan Community College. You learn the basics of cybersecurity through hands-on activities and talks from industry experts. Instructors guide you through career options in the field and introduce you to university-level pathways. On the final day, you take part in a cyber competition that tests your skills in a team setting.
9. Bay Area Cyber League Summer CyberCamps
Location: Schools and colleges in the Bay Area
Cost/Stipend: Free; some locations might charge you for the camp
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by camp location
Dates: June and July
Application Deadline: Varies by camp location
Eligibility: High school students in and around the Bay Area
The Bay Area Cyber League hosts its summer camp in multiple venues across the Bay Area, encouraging students who are interested in studying cybersecurity or participating in national competitions. If you have zero knowledge in the subject, you can choose the introductory level and then attend the intermediate camp, which is typically scheduled three days after the introductory camp. For those who would like to delve deeper, there is an advanced-level camp conducted online that follows the two weeks of in-person camps. By the end of your attendance, you will have earned a digital badge and become familiar with cyber hygiene and security, technology ethics, cryptography, digital & network forensics, web application security, Linux, and more.
10. PNW Lilly Cybersecurity Camp
Location: Anderson Building, Purdue University Northwest, Hammond, Indiana
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 16 – 20
Application Deadline: Accepted applications until June 13
Eligibility: High school students
PNW Lilly Cybersecurity Camp is a free, one-week summer program for high school students hosted by Purdue University Northwest. You learn cybersecurity fundamentals through hands-on labs and game-based activities. Topics include wireless network security, cryptography, ethical hacking, and robot game programming. The camp is organized by the Computer Information Technology and Graphics department. On the final day, you work in teams to solve a simulated forensic case using the skills you gained.
11. GenCyber Summer Camps
Location: Various locations throughout the United States
Cost/Stipend: Free, with all camp materials provided for free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by hosting location
Dates: June and July (exact dates vary by hosting location)
Application Deadline: Varies by hosting location
Eligibility: Students in grades 7 to 12
GenCyber Summer Camps are free cybersecurity programs for middle and high school students across the U.S., supported by the National Security Agency and the National Science Foundation. During the camp, you learn key cybersecurity concepts like defense in depth, confidentiality, integrity, availability, and how to think like an adversary. You take part in hands-on labs, hear from experts, and explore career paths in cybersecurity. By the end, you’ll know how to protect your digital life and understand the basics of cyber defense.
12. CyberAI: Navigating the AI-Enhanced Future
Location: San Jose State University, San Jose, California
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 40 plus
Dates: July 21 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 25
Eligibility: High school students from grades 9 to 12 living in San Jose
CyberAI: Navigating the AI-Enhanced Future is a free five-day summer camp hosted by San José State University’s computer science and computer engineering departments. You explore cybersecurity and artificial intelligence through hands-on labs and lectures. The camp covers topics like cyber defense, ethical hacking, and AI applications. You attend sessions led by SJSU faculty and industry professionals. Devices are provided in the lab, and lunch is included.
13. Cybersecurity Summer Institute
Location: Maryville University, Town and Country, Missouri
Cost/Stipend: $75 registration fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 16 – June 18
Application Deadline: May 28
Eligibility: Students entering their junior or senior year in August
Cybersecurity Summer Institute is a three-day pre-college program hosted by the University of Maryland. You attend lab sessions focused on cybersecurity fundamentals, including network security, encryption, and threat detection. Industry professionals lead workshops on cyber careers and digital safety. You receive a certificate upon completion and gain access to university resources during the program. Sessions are held on campus, and lunch is provided each day.
14. Blinn College’s Cybersecurity Summer Camp
Location: Blinn College Innovation Center, Brenham, Texas
Cost/Stipend: Free (snack, lunch, and equipment are provided)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 30
Dates: July 7 – July 11
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students
Blinn College’s Cybersecurity Summer Camp is a free, five-day program for high school students interested in computer science and cybersecurity. You learn about network security, ethical hacking, LED circuitry, Python programming, and other technical topics. The camp includes hands-on workshops, group projects, and real-world simulations. All sessions are taught by instructors from the Texas A&M Cybersecurity Center. You receive lunch and snacks daily, and keep the computer and monitor used during the camp. The program ends with student presentations and a celebratory lunch.
15. SVCSI Summer Research Camp
Location: Hybrid (Online and Silicon Valley Cybersecurity Institute, San Jose, California)
Cost/Stipend: $3,500; free for students whose household income is less than 70k USD per year; there is a $30 application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: two to three students per group (a cohort will have multiple groups)
Dates: June 9 – July 11
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: High school students in the USA with a GPA higher than 3.0; students with basic coding skills preferred
SVCSI Summer Research Camp is a five-week hybrid mentorship program for high school students interested in cybersecurity. You work in a team of two to three students with an SVCSI faculty mentor on a research topic assigned by the staff. You are expected to commit at least 15 hours per week and attend three mentor meetings weekly. The first two weeks focus on training, and the last three weeks are dedicated to research. Your team will present a research poster and write a 5–6 page IEEE-style conference paper.
Image source – Blinn College