SECURE IT Cybersecurity Workshops

NCSU’s Secure Software Supply Chain Center is excited to announce the SecureIT 26-27 Cybersecurity Workshops, an in-person series for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. This workshop series is designed to introduce middle school students to a variety of cybersecurity topics, including cryptology, social engineering, and generative AI.

  • The workshops will take place one Saturday per month during the school year, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on NC State’s Centennial Campus.
  • Participation in the full workshop series costs $150.

The full schedule of workshop dates is as follows:

  • September 12 - Adversarial Thinking with Game Theory
  • October 10 - Cryptography
  • November 14 - System & Linux Intro
  • December 5 - Capture the Flag
  • January 16 - Social Media Literacy
  • February 20 - Censorship + Privacy Concerns
  • March 20 - Deep fakes + AI Generated Information
  • April 17 - Summary

Our meetings will take place at NC State’s Centennial Campus in Engineering Building 2 (890 Oval Dr, Raleigh, NC 27606). You will be able to drop your child off at the Golden LEAF Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC 850 Oval Dr, Raleigh, NC 27606). On Saturdays, if you would like to stay and wait, you can park in any lot where the parking restriction has been lifted (Oval Drive and Partners Parking Deck).

Interested in helping your student explore the world of cybersecurity? Learn more and apply here:

Questions can be directed to Dr. Pat Morrison at pjmorris@ncsu.edu.

Don’t miss this opportunity to inspire the next generation of cybersecurity professionals!

SECURE IT Academy Middle School Summer Camp

SECURE IT is a non-residential summer program where rising middle schoolers learn fundamental cybersecurity concepts, gain hands-on experience with cybersecurity tools, and strengthen critical thinking skills to solve challenges related to protecting the technology they interact with everyday, such as smart devices, apps, websites, and more.

Students explore topics through hands-on work in Linux, computer networking, adversarial thinking, and coding and system design.

The program is hosted at the University of Maryland and North Carolina State University.

North Carolina State University, Raleigh

  • July 20–July 24

This summer the SECURE IT Academy at NC State University will be partnering with The Engineering Place, NC State’s K-20 education and resource headquareters for engineering outreach.

Applications for Summer 2026 at NCSU will open January 2026 and can be found on the NC State summer programs page

University of Maryland, College Park

  • Session 1: July 20–24 (beginner)
  • Session 2: July 27–31 (intermediate)

The SECURE IT Academy at UMD will be hosted by the ACES Program.

Applications for Summer 2026 at UMD will open January 2026 and will be available in the UMD application form.

A Typical Day at Camp

  • 9:00–12:00 pm Classroom Instruction
  • 12:15–1:15 pm Lunch
  • 1:30–3:30 pm Classroom Instruction
  • 3:45–4:00 pm Dismissal

Application Information

Applicants must be rising 6th, 7th and 8th graders to be eligible.

FAQ

How much does it cost to participate in SECURE IT at UMD?

The program costs $650 per one-week session at UMD.

Can students apply/participate in both sessions at UMD?

Students may apply to either or both sessions. Session 1 is beginner level, while Session 2 is intermediate.

Will food or lodging be provided?

As a non-residential program, meals and lodging will not be provided. Students must be dropped off and picked up for every day of the session.

For more information

Please contact Dr. Isabella White at isabella_white@ncsu.edu

Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)

We regularly offer research opportunities for undergraduate students as part of our research, especially during the summer. Students will spend a summer working with some of the world’s leading faculty researchers on software supply chain security. A number of projects are available in diverse areas which may include analyzing malicious activity, building defenses, building vulnerability and attack defectors, studying human factors in supply chain security, and measuring security practices. Accepted students will work closely with S3C2 faculty and researchers on research problems with the potential for publication and significant impact on the future practice of supply chain security.

As part of the REU program, you will not only gain significant experience in rigorous research from a top-tier university, but you’ll also be afforded a stipend, housing, and travel cost.