There is a school of thought that the next major war the United States participates in won’t involve tanks and guns, but computer network security breaches that will disable major utilities, hospitals and government agencies.

Whether that’s true remains to be seen, but from the recent Colonial Pipeline hack to the largest cyber attack in history against U.S. security by the Russians (SolarWinds), it’s clear major damage can happen in a country without the firing of a single shot.

In a Central Campus classroom, a new Cybersecurity summer camp for middle school students is full as curious students explore one of today’s fastest growing career areas. Merrill Middle School student Jayla Notch says it’s exciting to learn about not only the physical construction of a computer, but how she can take an active role in securing the computers she has access to now.

“I’ve always been interested in computers and wanted to enhance my knowledge,” Notch said. “If there were a course like this at the middle school, it would draw other students to this career path.”

It’s just the kind of interest Central Campus is hoping to generate as the school’s administration tracks growing job markets and sees cybersecurity as a promising career path for students. Central Campus offers a Cybersecurity program in its Technology and Systems Integration Academy.

“We have never needed more workforce in cybersecurity,” said cybersecurity instructor Sam Oppel, who holds dual master’s degrees in teaching and cybersecurity and information assurance. “There is predicted to be more than a 10% growth in the cybersecurity market with over $1 trillion in global spending by the end of 2021.”

In the cybersecurity program, students can learn about firewalls, VPNs, computer forensics, ethical hacking, and more. The classes offer field trips and participation in the Cyber Defense Competition where students defend servers from hackers. Students can earn IT certifications, participate in paid registered apprenticeships, and receive dual-enrollment credit at DMACC.

“The range of cybersecurity careers are vast,” Oppel said. “Careers in this field aren’t always technical either. We are looking for problem-solvers and people who want to make the world a better and safer place.”

High School students interested in the Cybersecruity program at Central Campus can contact their school counselor for more information. The week-long cybersecurity summer camp for middle school students will be back next summer.

Cybersecurity is just one of several summer camps being offered at Central Campus. In another area of the building Sthe killed Trades camp is also full this week.  Click here to see the other offerings this summer. Registration for 2021 is closed, but look for opportunities to register for next summer in the spring of 2022.

View photos of Central Campus Summer Camps