The **National Security Agency (NSA) GenCyber Camps**, funded by the **NSA and National Science Foundation (NSF)**, are free, nationwide summer experiences designed for **high school students** interested in cybersecurity. Hosted at universities across the country, these intensive camps introduce teens to real-world cyber challenges in a supportive, hands-on environment. GenCyber is widely recognized in the cybersecurity education community, making it a standout **extracurricular program** for motivated 9th–12th graders who want to explore ethical hacking, cryptography, and cyber defense. At GenCyber, participants learn core **cybersecurity skills** through interactive labs and team projects. Students practice **ethical hacking** in controlled settings, explore **cryptography** concepts like encryption and secure communication, and build **cyber defense** strategies to protect networks and data. Camps often include mentoring from university faculty and cybersecurity professionals, giving students a chance to ask questions about college majors, internships, and careers in tech and national security. Many programs also highlight safe online behavior and digital citizenship, valuable skills for everyday life. This program significantly boosts **college preparation** and future career readiness. Participation in NSA GenCyber Camps shows initiative, technical curiosity, and commitment—qualities admissions officers and scholarship committees value. Students can: - Strengthen STEM resumes with a selective cybersecurity experience - Gain exposure to computer science and related fields before choosing a major - Build problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking skills useful in any discipline **Who should apply?** Motivated **high school students** (including rising freshmen through rising seniors, depending on camp) who enjoy puzzles, coding, or technology will benefit most. GenCyber stands out from other extracurricular programs because it is free, nationally supported by the NSA/NSF, and run at respected colleges and universities. For teens considering tech-related majors or simply exploring new interests, NSA GenCyber Camps offer a powerful head start in cybersecurity and college preparation.