The Cybersecurity Exploration Camp is designed to help students develop a strong security mindset while learning foundational cybersecurity concepts, including:

• Cryptography

• Digital forensics

• Internet of Things (IoT) security

• Adversarial thinking and cyber ethics

The curriculum is sourced from TeachCyber.org and incorporates cloud-based laboratory environments from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) Cyber Arena. Students gain both technical skills and an understanding of the ethical responsibilities required in cybersecurity careers.

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Instruction blends classroom learning, cloud-based labs, and team-based challenges. Students rotate through daily modules that build skills progressively:

• Defense in Depth: Cryptography puzzles, vulnerability assessment, and threat-hunting labs

• Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability: Cipher exercises, IoT security labs, and password-cracking activities with an emphasis on ethics

• Think Like an Adversary: Scavenger hunts, ransomware simulations, and phishing labs

• Keep It Simple: Communication-focused activities culminating in a Jeopardy-style Cyber Arena team competition

Activities are scaffolded into novice, beginner, and competent levels based on pre-camp assessments, ensuring students of all experience levels are supported and challenged. Female professionals from industry and higher education will serve as guest speakers and mentors to encourage girls to continue in computer science pathways.

The camp serves as a bridge between Arkansas’s K–12 Computer Science Pathways, UAHT’s postsecondary cybersecurity programs, and regional workforce needs. Camp modules reinforce concepts taught in CS Level 1 and CS Level 2, helping students strengthen problem-solving and computational thinking skills that transfer directly to high school coursework.

Participants will also be introduced to UAHT’s Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity and dual-credit opportunities through the Collegiate Academy. Students will meet faculty, tour UAHT’s cybersecurity lab, and learn how camp activities connect to college coursework and industry-recognized certifications such as CompTIA Security+ and Network+.

The Exploration Camp highlights regional demand for cybersecurity professionals. Guest speakers and career panels will include experts from banking, healthcare, utilities, and IT services—industries facing growing cyber threats and seeking skilled talent. The program supports students from rural and underserved communities by introducing them to high-skill, high-wage career opportunities in Arkansas.

Students must attend a SWAEC Perkins Consortia school. Participating schools include:

• Blevins High School

• Fouke High School

• Paulette Smith Middle School

• Genoa Central High School

• Albert J. Murphy Junior High School

• Hope High School

• Yerger Middle School

• Lafayette County High School

• Nevada High School

• Prescott High School

• Prescott Junior High School

• Spring Hill High School

• Arkansas High School

• Arkansas Middle School

Who can attend the UAHT Cybersecurity Exploration Camp?
The camp is open to students entering grades 7–11 who attend a SWAEC Perkins Consortia school. Space is limited to 30 students.

When and where is the camp held?
The camp will take place June 1–5 on the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana Texarkana campus. Sessions run daily from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Do students need prior computer or coding experience?
No. The camp is designed for students with all levels of experience, including those with no prior background in computer science or cybersecurity.

What will students learn?
Students will explore cybersecurity topics such as cryptography, digital forensics, Internet of Things (IoT) security, and cyber ethics. Learning activities include hands-on labs, team challenges, simulations, and real-world problem-solving scenarios.

How is instruction structured?
Instruction includes classroom learning, cloud-based labs, and team-based activities. Lessons are scaffolded into novice, beginner, and competent levels based on a pre-camp assessment to ensure all students are supported and challenged.

Is the camp open to female students?
Yes. Female students are strongly encouraged to apply. Women are underrepresented in cybersecurity, and the camp includes female role models from industry and higher education as guest speakers and mentors.

What technology or equipment is required?
All required technology and lab resources will be provided during the camp. Students do not need to bring their own devices unless otherwise notified.

Will students learn about college and career pathways?
Yes. Students will be introduced to UAHT’s Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity, dual-credit opportunities through the UAHT Secondary Career Center and Collegiate Academies, and industry-recognized certifications such as CompTIA Security+ and Network+.

Will students interact with professionals in the field?
Yes. Guest speakers and career panels will feature cybersecurity professionals from banking, healthcare, utilities, and IT services.

How do students register?
Registration is available online at:
https://forms.office.com/r/z7XECy0g3v

Where can I find more information or ask questions?
Contact Brittni Hardie, Camp Director, at 870-216-2919 or brittni.hardie@uaht.edu.