According to the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT, 2021), only 3% of minority high school graduates pursue computing degrees, contributing to a significant talent gap in cybersecurity. To address this, Camp CryptoBot is dedicated to inspiring and developing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals from underrepresented and underserved communities.
Our mission is to provide high school students with a dynamic, hands-on experience that explores cryptography, cybersecurity principles, and robotics. Through this initiative, we aim to expand the talent pipeline and restore diversity in the cybersecurity workforce over the next two decades.
Camp Costs:
Camp CryptoBot is a FREE five-day summer program, providing participants with complimentary breakfast, lunch, and snacks. There is no cost to apply or attend!
Camp Goals:
- Student Recruitment: We aim to recruit 24 students (12 female and 12 male) from grades 9-12 within the New York Metropolitan area, prioritizing underrepresented and underserved communities, especially those who may not have previously considered careers in cybersecurity.
- Cybersecurity Education: Using Cybersecurity First Principles, students will engage in immersive, hands-on learning experiences designed to spark interest in cybersecurity careers, foster academic success, and build confidence in their technical abilities.
- Cryptography and Robotics Curriculum: Our innovative curriculum merges cryptography with robotics, featuring the SeaPerch and SeaGlide underwater robots—endorsed by the U.S. Navy for STEM education. These remotely operated vehicles provide a hands-on platform for understanding key cybersecurity concepts and ethics. Students will apply cryptographic techniques to design and operate a robotic system, the CryptoBot, throughout the camp.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be entering 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in September.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.
- No prior programming experience is necessary.
- Applicants must submit a short (400 words or less) essay explaining their interest in the camp.
- Proof of immunization records is required.
Apply Now
Join Camp CryptoBot and embark on an exciting journey into the world of cybersecurity, cryptography, and robotics. Discover a potential career in one of today’s most critical and fast-growing fields!