SOU hosts cybersecurity camp for high school students
Oregon teens who are interested in technology have a first-time opportunity this summer to explore cybersecurity careers at a free weeklong camp hosted at Southern Oregon University. The camp is taught by David Pouliot, an associate professor in the SOU Computer Science program, with current Computer Science students at SOU serving as assistants and mentors.
The NW Cyber Camp will take place Monday through Friday, August 10-14, on SOU’s campus in Ashland. The camp is open to students currently in grades eight through 11. It’s designed to give participants a hands-on experience with cybersecurity tools and explore potential career paths.
Students in the course will take on the roles of cybersecurity professionals working at a fictional software company. They will be acting as interns investigating an anomaly in network logs, learning new technical skills and following clues to solve a cyber crime.
No prior experience in cybersecurity is required. The camp is designed for students who enjoy technology, problem solving and learning how to “defend the network” in a collaborative environment.
The no-cost program includes hands-on learning with professional cybersecurity tools and guest speakers from the industry. Students will participate in team-based activities connected to cybersecurity concepts and learn about career paths in one of Oregon’s fastest growing, high-wage fields. Lunch will be provided each day.
NW Cyber Camp is a program of the Oregon Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (OCCoE) – an entity created by the 2023 Legislature with Portland State University, Oregon State University and the University of Oregon designated as founding members. The center is authorized to assist the state’s chief information security officer and “provide awareness, education, services and training about cybersecurity and cybersecurity-related issues for public, private and non-profit sectors in Oregon.”
The NW Cyber Camp program – which began in 2016 to introduce cybersecurity skills and careers to high school students in Portland – was made a part of the OCCoE following the 2023 legislation. Day camps are now available through the founding member institutions, along with Clackamas Community College, the Sylvania Campus of Portland Community College and Oregon Institute of Technology. The Cyber Camp is being offered at SOU this year for the first time.
A total of 25 spaces are available for campers at the SOU location. Students can learn more and apply at nwcybercamp.org.
Story by Felicity Johnson
SOU Computer Science major
