Cape Cod Community College has received a grant from the National Security Agency (NSA) to launch “GenCyber” programming for middle school students. GenCyber is designed to bring cybersecurity camp experiences to local communities and teachers, igniting and increasing awareness of K-12 cybersecurity content, career opportunities, and post-secondary college options. The Cape Cod regional STEM Network and Center for Corporate and Professional Development are coordinating a "GenCyber Space Challenge" happening throughout the year at the college.

At 4Cs, GenCyber programming kicked off on November 6 from 9:30 a.m. to noon with a space challenge escape room event for middle school students and their families. In two additional events held this year, families were able to participate in exciting cybersecurity activities such as spy parties, robotics and coding, and internet hoax scavenger hunts.

The college will also be hosting two GenCyber summer exploration programs in August 2022 as part of its ongoing “Summer of Science” series. Over the two week program, students entering grades 7,8, and 9 will have the opportunity to discover the importance of cybersecurity and exploring networks while engaging in a space challenge with a rocket launch mission. Students will build a robot rover and program it for a Mars surface exploration.

"I am excited we were selected to receive this highly competitive grant from the National Security Agency. The GenCyber Space Challenge is a great way for students, and their families, who are interested in cybersecurity to learn what cybersecurity careers and educational pathways are all about,” said Bridget Burger, 4Cs GenCyber Space Challenge Program Director, "Our theme this year is on the Mars rover mission, and we are going to have a lot of fun. We want to make it clear that everyone is welcome, and no experience is necessary. Demand for this program is usually very high so I encourage families to apply early."

Registration is open for the GenCyber Summer program. Click here to apply.

“Cybersecurity is a booming field locally, nationally, and internationally,” said John Cox, President of Cape Cod Community College. “We are thrilled to receive this grant to continue to bring more students and >span class="NormalTextRun SCXW159763347 BCX2"> to our door to learn about educational opportunities, including our Cybersecurity Degree at 4Cs, and long-term career paths. It’s a critical piece of STEM education for our students and future students and we are delighted to be able to welcome so many members of our community to the College to experience it.”

The GenCyber program is financially supported by the National Security Agency (NSA), National Science Foundation (NSF), and other federal partners on an annual basis. For more information on GenCyber program at 4Cs, click here.