Training Description
Key Takeaways
- Free weeklong cybersecurity camp for middle and high school students across Oregon
- Hands-on curriculum covering cybersecurity fundamentals, practical skills and career pathways
- Hosted at six college campuses including Oregon State University, University of Oregon and Portland Community College
- Separate tracks for middle school and high school participants
- Addresses the cybersecurity workforce shortage through early talent pipeline development
Introduction
NW Cyber Camp is a free summer programme designed to introduce middle and high school students to the cybersecurity profession through immersive, hands-on learning experiences. Hosted across multiple college campuses in Oregon, the weeklong camp targets young people considering careers in information security, IT or broader STEM fields. With the cybersecurity industry facing a persistent global talent shortage, programmes like NW Cyber Camp play an increasingly important role in building awareness and foundational skills among the next generation of potential professionals.
About NW Cyber Camp
The programme operates as a day camp, running for one week at each participating location with daily lunch provided. There is no overnight accommodation, making it accessible to students who can commute to their nearest host campus. Participants are divided into separate tracks based on educational level, with distinct curricula for middle school students (current eighth graders) and high school students. This tiered approach allows instructors to tailor content complexity and teaching methods to different age groups and experience levels.
Six Oregon educational institutions serve as host sites: Clackamas Community College, Oregon Tech, Portland Community College, Southern Oregon University, University of Oregon and Oregon State University. This geographic distribution extends the programme’s reach across the state, reducing travel barriers for families in different regions. Oregon State University also offers additional opportunities including scholarships and follow-on camps for students who wish to continue their cybersecurity education.
Curriculum and Learning Approach
The camp curriculum centres on cybersecurity fundamentals delivered through workshop-led, practical sessions rather than traditional lectures. Students gain exposure to real-world scenarios that illustrate how security concepts apply in professional environments. The programme covers foundational knowledge in information security alongside practical skills that provide a meaningful introduction to the discipline.
Career pathway exploration forms a significant component of the experience. Many young people have limited visibility into what cybersecurity professionals actually do day-to-day, and the camp aims to demystify the field by connecting technical skills to tangible career opportunities. This combination of hands-on technical content and career awareness helps students make more informed decisions about their educational and professional futures.
Addressing the Cybersecurity Workforce Gap
The cybersecurity industry continues to experience significant workforce shortages, with organisations across sectors struggling to recruit qualified professionals. This talent gap creates both operational risks for businesses and national security concerns. Early intervention programmes like NW Cyber Camp contribute to long-term workforce development by building interest and foundational competencies before students reach higher education.
By hosting the camp on college campuses, the programme also creates natural connections between secondary education and post-secondary pathways. Students gain familiarity with college environments while learning about degree programmes and certifications that could lead to cybersecurity careers. This bridge between K-12 education and the professional cybersecurity workforce represents a strategic approach to talent pipeline development.
Who Should Attend
NW Cyber Camp is designed for students currently in eighth grade through high school who have an interest in technology, computing or cybersecurity. Prior technical experience is not required, making the programme suitable for curious beginners as well as students with existing exposure to IT concepts. The camp may be particularly valuable for those considering STEM careers but uncertain about specific directions, as it provides concrete insight into one of the fastest-growing technology disciplines.
Parents and educators seeking enrichment opportunities for young people will find the programme offers substantive technical content combined with career development value, all at no cost to participating families.