The 2026 UCCS Cybersecurity Summer Camps promise another exciting summer of learning, discovery, and connection for Colorado’s next generation of cyber leaders. Thanks to the continued support of generous community and industry partners, the UCCS Cybersecurity Program is offering three week-long camps for middle school students.
This marks the sixth consecutive year the program has brought students together with real-world mentors in cutting-edge facilities.
The camps have a proven track record of doing more than presenting concepts. Campers get the chance to apply what they learn through engaging activities such as:
- Solving classic and modern ciphers (including Caesar ciphers)
- Picking locks to understand physical security principles
- Exploring network defense strategies
- Participating in online simulations and collaborative challenges
The curriculum is intentionally hands-on, encouraging curiosity and confidence while showing students how cybersecurity connects to everyday life. Experienced educators and professionals from partner organizations lead instruction at the camps, bringing practical, tangible perspectives into the classroom.
Many of those same organizations are also financial supporters of the program, reinforcing the camps’ strong connection to the regional cybersecurity ecosystem. That includes a substantial contribution from a Catalyst Campus for Technology and Innovation grant from OEDIT (Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade) CCTI/OEDIT. With this collective backing, the UCCS Cybersecurity Program can prioritize access, quality, and community impact.
Additional sponsors include:
Their involvement ensures youth across the region can explore cybersecurity in a welcoming, affordable, and inspiring setting while also seeing clear pathways to future education and careers.
Gretchen Bliss, Director of Cybersecurity Programs at UCCS and the founder of these camps, is grateful for the community support.
“UCCS has been offering these camps for six summers, and we’ve seen the impact they have on kids as they make their way through high school and into college. It has a material impact on career choice, and the country needs more cybersecurity experts,” Bliss said. “We couldn’t do it without these industry, government and community partners. Their support keeps our camp fees low so we can accommodate students from all backgrounds. That diversity is good for our national security.”
Three Camps, One Mission
The 2026 UCCS Cybersecurity Summer Camps are designed for middle school students who are curious about technology, problem‑solving, cybersecurity, and online safety. Each camp blends classroom instruction with dynamic, hands-on activities to keep students engaged throughout the week.
This year’s offerings include:
- UCCS Intro to Cybersecurity
- June 8–12, 2026
- UCCS Intro to Cybersecurity
- June 22–26, 2026
- UCCS Advanced Cybersecurity Camp
- July 13–17, 2026
All camps run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the UCCS Kevin W. O’Neil Cybersecurity Education and Research Center, located at 3650 N. Nevada Ave. in Colorado Springs. Students may attend one or two camps, though participation in the Intro camp is required before enrolling in the Advanced camp.
Students must apply to attend, and space is limited. If an application is accepted, the registration fee is $50 per child per week. The UCCS Cybersecurity Programs Office is committed to keeping fees as low as possible, and scholarships are available based on financial need. Families who need assistance are encouraged to reach out directly.
Questions? Email [email protected].