The National Security Agency (NSA) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) announced today that the 2018 GenCyber summer camp program kicks off at institutions around the country this May.

GenCyber is jointly funded by the NSA and the NSF and provides cybersecurity education and awareness to students and teachers at the K-12 levels. As a crucial component in building the nation's cybersecurity talent base, GenCyber objectives have always been simple: to help all students understand correct and safe online behavior, increase interest in cybersecurity and diversity in the cybersecurity workforce, and to improve teaching methods for delivering cybersecurity content in the K-12 curriculum. GenCyber is free for all campers.

"The world we live in is driven by online technology. It is imperative that we teach children as soon as possible how to be safe online. GenCyber is a critical program that teaches students to be safe online and exposes them to the endless career opportunities available in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics)/Cybersecurity field," said Tina Ladabouche, GenCyber Program Manager.

GenCyber offers three camp types: student, teacher, and combination. Student camps are designed to increase interest in the field of cybersecurity. Teacher camps equip K-12 teachers with the knowledge and skills to implement cybersecurity lessons in their own schools systems. Combination camps provide a unique opportunity for the teachers to receive pedagogical training and opportunities for practicum experiences.

The program continues to grow rapidly. Launched in 2014 offering 8 camps, it will hold over 140 camps in 2018 at 84 different institutions in 43 states (plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico). Camps begin this May and will run through August. Visit www.gen-cyber.com for more information on how to register. Follow NSA on Twitter @NSAGov and on Facebook for the latest about NSA.