K-12 Outreach

SECURE IT Academy

SECURE IT is a one-week, non-residential summer program where middle schoolers learn to think like cyber detectives while applying design thinking to protect the technology they interact with daily.

Students cover topics such as Linux, computer networking and adversarial thinking. Hosted by the Secure Software Supply Chain Center at the University of Maryland and North Carolina State University, the SECURE IT program invites students to return for fall workshops that meet monthly in the fall and spring semesters.

Typical Camp Day

• 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

*Field trips and guest speakers are scheduled during Classroom Instruction time blocks.

SECURE IT Cybersecurity Workshop

We are proud to present our SECURE IT Cybersecurity workshops series for middle schoolers at NC State. These private workshops are hosted in person for rising 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Each student will attend twice a month during the school year.

Typical Workshop Day

• 9:00-10:45 am 1st Group Classroom Instruction
• 10:45-11:15 am Lunch
• 11:15-1:00 am 2nd Group Classroom Instruction

Program Curriculum

Cybersecurity Education

• K-12 Cybersecurity education curriculum instruction by current NC State undergrad or graduate students
• Guest Speakers by NC State professors and cybersecurity industry professionals
• Field trip to cybersecurity industry leaders where students are introduced to people, topics, and career opportunities while exploring the facility

Personal Growth

• Small group presentations with peers
• Sharpen cyber skills and interactions with day-to-day technology
• Social activities with peers

Hands-on Experience

• Small-group research projects led by current undergraduate or graduate students; projects are security focused
• Group presentations showcasing work at the end of the program

Application Information for SECURE IT Summer Academy

Applications for Summer 2025 will open January 2025!

Target Participants: Rising 6th, 7th, and 8th graders (NC)

• Date:
  • Session 1: July 28 -August 1st (beginner/intermediate)
  • Session 2: August 4 -August 8th (intermediate/advanced)
• Cost: $400
  • Lunch is not provided. If a student would like to eat on campus that can be provided at an additional $60 fee
• Applicant must be able to attend the full week.
• Applicant must be a rising 6th, 7th, or 8th grader.
• Applicant will be required to submit family and student information.
• Financial Assistance is available for those with displayed need by completing our Scholarship Application.
• Must submit academic transcripts (unofficial transcripts are welcome for application review).
• Email addresses must be provided for teacher recommendation section of the application, this is required.

APPLY HERE Most recent grade report (transcript or report card): https://go.umd.edu/grades2025

Scholarships

APPLY HERE Need-based scholarships are available for eligible students living in North Carolina.

FAQ

• The cost to attend this one-week program is $400. This fee covers program materials and activity costs. Please do not include the fee at the time of application. The fee is due upon acceptance to the program. There is no additional charge for the meetings during the school year.
• Yes, students can participate in both weeks of camp! Week one is designed for beginners, while week two offers advanced content. If you prefer to participate in just one of the weeks, that’s perfectly fine as well.
• Financial assistance is available for those with displayed needs by completing our scholarship application.

Contact

For more information, please contact Ronaisha Ruth, S3C2 Program Coordinator at rmruth@ncsu.edu