MinerAlert
MinerAlert
This summer, the Computer Science Department at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) hosted the AFA CyberCamp, an engaging program for high school and middle school students from the El Paso region. Held in two cohorts, from June 10-21 and July 8-19, the camp offered participants an in-depth experience in the exciting field of Computer Science and cybersecurity.
Each two-week camp provided 20 hours of instruction per week, free of charge. The curriculum, developed by CyberPatriot, a National Youth Cyber Education Program by the Air Space Association, was designed to inspire K-12 students toward careers in cybersecurity. By covering both fundamental and advanced topics, the camp ensured that students left with a robust understanding of the field.
Under the leadership of Camp Coordinator Bianca Alvarez and Faculty Lead Salamah Salamah, Ph.D., Chair of the Department of Computer Science at UTEP, a dedicated team of 13 instructors, all students in the Computer Science Department, guided participants through the program. The first week focused on beginner cybersecurity skills, including basic concepts and practical exercises. Students learned about various cybersecurity principles, such as network security, cyber threats, and the importance of maintaining secure systems. Those who completed the standard camp in the first week transitioned to the second week, where they tackled more advanced topics, such as ethical hacking, and advanced network defense techniques.
"The AFA CyberCamp is a fantastic opportunity for young students to dive into the world of Computer Science and cybersecurity. Our aim is to equip them with essential skills and spark an interest in a field that is crucial for our future," said Salamah Salamah, Ph.D. "Enhancing the network of computer science and cybersecurity professionals is vital, and it is important to start instilling future talent early on."
The response from the community was positive, with a total of 97 students successfully completing Week 1 of the camp, and 86 progressing to complete Week 2. The participants demonstrated a high level of enthusiasm and commitment, which was reflected in their learning skills and teamwork.
"We're thrilled with the enthusiasm and dedication shown by our campers. Many of them are now considering careers in computer science cybersecurity, which is exactly what we hoped to achieve," said Bianca Alvarez. "Seeing the students work together, solve complex problems, and develop leadership skills has been incredibly rewarding."
Looking ahead, the program coordinators hope that students who attended the AFA CyberCamp will participate this fall in CyberPatriot’s National Youth Defense Competition. This competition offers an excellent opportunity for students to further improve their skills and knowledge in a competitive and collaborative environment, preparing them for future careers in cybersecurity.
The AFA CyberCamp not only imparted critical cybersecurity skills but also fostered teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and technological proficiency among the young participants. The Computer Science Department at UTEP is proud to have hosted such a transformative experience and looks forward to continuing to inspire the next generation of computer scientists. The success of this camp underscores the importance of early education in cybersecurity and the vital role it plays in preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow.
For more information about the Computer Science at UTEP, visit: https://www.utep.edu/cs/