A group of 25 high school students from the Chicago area participated in the GenCyber Elevate+ Summer Camp at Illinois Institute of Technology this summer. The camp, funded by a grant from the National Security Agency (NSA), aimed to introduce students to the field of cybersecurity through a week-long residential program.
The initiative is part of the NSA’s broader effort to expand cybersecurity education among K–12 students. During the camp, students learned about various aspects of cybersecurity, including digital forensics, data protection, and the basics of cybersecurity operations. They engaged in hands-on activities using tools such as Kali Linux and participated in exercises that involved analyzing vulnerabilities in simulated smart home networks.
“In just five days, students progressed from curiosity to confidently applying real-world security skills—bridging theory and practice through forensics, ethical hacking, and defensive strategies,” said Marwan Omar, associate professor of information technology and management and co-principal investigator of GenCyber Elevate+.
Nicole Beebe, dean of Illinois Tech’s College of Computing, commented on the program's impact: “I was impressed after speaking with the students attending our GenCyber Elevate+ camp this summer. We need the next generation to use their skill and creativity to secure our nation and economy. This program contributes greatly to that goal.”
The camp included practical labs on encryption, hashing, disk imaging, and chain-of-custody procedures. Students also participated in red team versus blue team challenges, where they took on both offensive and defensive roles. Simulations involving ransomware, phishing, password cracking, and social engineering were used to highlight the importance of both technical skills and understanding human behavior in cybersecurity.
Ann Rangarajan, assistant professor of information technology and management and GenCyber Elevate+ principal investigator, emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach: “Cybersecurity isn’t just a technical discipline; it touches every industry. It’s critical that we prepare the next generation to not only respond to threats but to anticipate them. That requires as much attention to the human element as to the technical.”
Throughout the week, guest speakers addressed topics such as usability and innovation in security solutions, ethics, career opportunities beyond traditional IT roles, and the intersection of law and policy with cybersecurity. Davina Pruitt-Mentle from NIST’s National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education encouraged students to consider a wide range of career paths within cybersecurity.
Gorjana Popovic, teaching professor of mathematics at Illinois Tech and GenCyber Elevate+ co-principal investigator, said: “Cybersecurity education is not just about teaching technical skills—it’s about nurturing critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and a responsible digital mindset.”
Yen Anderson discussed generative artificial intelligence's role in preparing for future careers. Ngozi Tracy Aleke (CYF ’25), an Illinois Tech alumna and attorney, spoke about legal and policy aspects related to cybersecurity.
“These students are now better prepared for higher education in cybersecurity,” said Gurram Gopal, chair of Illinois Tech’s Department of Information Technology and Management. “The program, funded by a prestigious NSA GenCyber Grant, strengthens our diverse pipeline of future innovators.”
A disclaimer noted that opinions expressed were those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect NSA views.