The Cyber Bootcamp Program is a one-week introductory to cybersecurity course for rising 10th-12th grade high school students in Arizona. At a Cyber Bootcamp, participating students learn to apply a wide range of cybersecurity concepts through hands-on and project-based learning experiences.

Students will have an opportunity to learn about a wide variety of fundamental cybersecurity topics through hands-on and project-based learning experiences. Concepts and course subjects range from cryptography, penetration testing, and password cracking to forensic techniques, network protocols, and threat intelligence, among many others. 

Many instructors are students themselves, such as undergraduate, grad students, or individuals pursuing PhDs. Others are professionals working in cybersecurity or a related industry.

Apply by completing our online interest form. The AZ Cyber Initiative will contact anyone who fills out a form with more information on scheduling and availability. 

There is no cost to individual students to attend a Cyber Bootcamp. However, while students can attend free of charge, space is limited. Any student who is accepted for a slot at one of our Cyber Bootcamps and subsequently cancels or withdraws less than three weeks (21 days) prior to the first day will be charged a cancelation fee of $430, which is roughly the per-student cost of organizing and holding the event. 

There is no cost to students who attend a Cyber Bootcamp, but the expenses associated with organizing and putting them on are substantial. Therefore, the AZ Cyber Initiative will gladly accept donations earmarked to sponsor student attendance or to cover any of the costs associated with the Cyber Bootcamps.  

While we are happy to accept contributions of any amount, a sponsorship donation of $430 will cover the cost of one student participant. For anyone interested in sponsoring all or part of a full week-long session, the cost of single bootcamp comes to roughly $12,900. 

Anyone interested sponsoring any part of a Cyber Bootcamp should contact us by email at [email protected].

We structure each day of the Cyber Bootcamps to make the best use of time so we can maximize learning and student engagement.  Every day of the program will look a little different, but, generally speaking, the camps will run from roughly 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM with breaks – including an hour for lunch – interspersed throughout the day. For both the in-person and virtual sessions, our goal to provide students with at least 5 hours of course content and interaction with instructors each day. 

For in-person sessions, most of the materials – including pens, notebooks, snacks, water, and virutal access – will be provided by the AZ Cyber Initiative. Students are welcome to bring their own preferred food items or writing materials, but they will not be required to do so.

For the virutal sessions, participants will need to have access to their own computer or laptop with audio & video capabilities, headphones (suggested), and Internet access. All virtual Cyber Bootcamp activities and projects are web-based, and students will need to stream live video calls, access emails, and websites. But they will not be required to download any software or install specialized applications, unless they are instructed to do so in advance by their instructors.

The attendance policy for the Cyber Bootcamp Program allows for 1 excused absence per session. We understand that emergencies happen, and students may need to be excused from class. We ask that, whenever possible, students notify their instructors of any anticipated absences and make necessary arrangements to make up any missed work.