UA Little Rock, Partners Offer Free Cybersecurity Summer Camps
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock, in collaboration with three partner institutions, will offer free summer programs to provide junior high and high school students with hands-on training in cybersecurity.
The GenCyber Program is a grant-funded national cybersecurity education program that provides free summer camps and year-round learning experiences for K-12 students. Through interactive activities, engaging curriculum, and expert mentorship, participants develop essential cybersecurity skills and awareness.
UA Little Rock will host its GenCyber camp from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 7-10 and July 14-17 in the Engineering and Information Technology Building. The two-week camp, designed for rising 7th-12th grade students, is the only GenCyber camp in Arkansas to offer an online participation option.
“All of the GenCyber camps are designed to spark an early interest in cybersecurity while providing students with valuable technical skills,” said Dr. Sandra Leiterman, director of cybersecurity education and outreach at UA Little Rock. “By making these camps free and accessible, we are helping to build a better-prepared cybersecurity workforce for the future.”
GenCyber camps are offered at no cost to students and their families as part of a broader effort to support STEM education in Arkansas. The program is funded by a grant from the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity, which is part of the National Security Agency. The initiative aims to promote education and career pathways in cybersecurity, equipping the next generation with the skills needed to address growing digital security challenges.
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will offer its GenCyber camp from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 16-20 in the STEM Building, with lunch provided for participants.
The University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana will hold its GenCyber camp from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 14-17 and July 21-24. This is the only camp where a Spanish translator will be available.
The Forge Institute will host the final GenCyber camp from 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on July 21-25 at the Little Rock Air Force Base University Center, with lunch included. This camp is open to rising 9th-12th grade students.
Students who complete the GenCyber program will be invited to GenCyber Alumni events featuring workshops, guest speakers, and networking opportunities. A mentoring program will also pair GenCyber alumni with cybersecurity professionals and UA Little Rock students to support their continued learning and career development.
Students who would like to apply for one of the GenCyber summer programs should fill out this registration form.
For more information, contact Leiterman at [email protected].