Defend, investigate, protect.
The Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics Academy offers students an in-depth learning experience in the field of cybersecurity and digital forensics in our nationally recognized Senator Patrick Leahy Center for Digital Forensics & Cybersecurity. Students gain hands-on learning experience from veterans of the cybersecurity industry.
The curriculum covers a wide breadth of digital forensics and cybersecurity topics, as well as explorations into artificial intelligence, cryptography, the business of cybersecurity, and more! There are a myriad of job roles within these fields, and students will get the chance to explore many of them across 20+ academic sessions, each with hands-on lab components designed by Champlain’s expert faculty.
A sample of these sessions includes:
- Introduction to Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics
- Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity
- Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing
- Social Engineering
- Steganography
- Cyber Threats & Cyber Defense
- Acquiring Digital Evidence
- Malware Analysis
- Hands on IoT
- Risk Assessment and Compliance
- …and many more!
The Academy also hosts an industry-expert Champlain alumnus guest speaker who provides students with first-hand advice and Q&A on navigating a degree in these fields, demystifying the many career paths available in the industry. Beyond that, students will also get a glimpse into a real Cybersecurity firm that’s partnered with Champlain, allowing them to visualize their path from education to career.
This program is designed for:
Students entering grades 10–12 and recent high school graduates (ages 15-18)
Students who are interested in the lucrative fields of cybersecurity and digital forensics
Students who want to experience working in a cybersecurity & forensics lab first-hand while meeting new friends and building connections with industry experts
|
Ages & Grade Level |
Dates |
Cost |
|
| Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics Academy | Ages 15–18 Grade 10–12 |
Monday, July 19 – Friday, July 30 |
Friday, July 30 $4,500* |
*This Early Bird Rate ends on January 4, 2027, at 5:00 PM. Use code EARLYBIRD27 when registering.
What you’ll do
- Explore ethical hacking and penetration testing
- Analyze malware and acquire digital evidence
- Learn how social engineering and steganography work
- Study cyber threats and build cyber defenses
- Dig into AI in cybersecurity, risk, and compliance
- Get hands-on with the Internet of Things (IoT)
- Hear from an alumnus working in the industry
Why You’ll Love the Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics Academy
In the Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics Academy, students will:
- Gain real, practical skills in cybersecurity and forensics
- Learn to defend against cyberattacks, investigate digital crimes, and work independently or on a team
- Work in a cybersecurity and forensics lab alongside other students who share your passion
- Experience what studying cybersecurity or digital forensics in college looks like
- Learn to present your findings as part of a team
- Explore career paths in cybersecurity and forensics
- Prepare for both college life and a future career in cybersecurity
- Explore the beautiful city of Burlington, Vermont
- HAVE FUN!
In this pre-college summer program, you’ll learn from Champlain professors and industry veterans at an NSA-designated National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.
Program attendees will have a lot in common with their fellow students. By working together in the classroom, living together in the residence halls, and enjoying extracurricular activities, students form friendships that last far beyond the length of the Academy.
“My son had the privilege to attend the Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics Academy this summer and it was life-changing. We’ll be filing for Early Decision [as a Champlain College student] this fall.”
—Parent of Program Attendee
In an ever-changing world, Champlain College is renowned for preparing future leaders in the most sought-after career fields and professions that today’s students are most passionate about. Explore our facilities, learn from our industry-expert faculty, and enjoy our beautiful campus.
Scholarship Opportunities for Women
We are pleased to announce exciting scholarship opportunities for young women interested in attending the 2027 Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics Academy. To request an application, please fill out the form on the bottom on this page, and in the “Any Other Questions?” field include “Please send me the Scholarship Application.” The application will be open until scholarships have been awarded or the Academy fills, whichever comes first.
Who It’s For
- Students entering grades 10–12 and recent high school graduates
- Students who want to work in a cybersecurity and forensics lab first-hand while building connections with industry experts
- Students curious about cybersecurity and digital forensics
- Students who want to explore the many careers in these fields
What You’ll Gain
- Hands-on lab experience in cybersecurity and digital forensics, designed by Champlain’s expert faculty
- Advice from a Champlain alumnus on navigating a degree and career in the field
- A look inside a cybersecurity firm partnered with Champlain
- Skills and confidence that matter, whether you’re applying to cybersecurity programs, exploring careers, or finding out what you’re capable of
Sample Daily Schedule
| TIME | ACTIVITY |
| 8:00–9:00 AM | Breakfast and Morning Meeting |
| 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | Exploration and Hands-On Lab I |
| 12:00–2:00 PM |
Lunch and Recreation |
| 2:00–5:00 PM |
Exploration and Hands-On Lab II |
| 5:00–10:00 PM |
Dinner and Evening Lab or Recreation Activity |
| 11:00 PM |
Lights Out |
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