Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics Academy

Pre-College Programs
Pre-College Programs
Program is open to students entering grades 10–12 and recent high school graduates (ages 15-18).

If you’re interested in making the most out of your summer, register soon. Space is limited!

REGISTER

The Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics Academy offers students an in-depth learning experience in the field of cybersecurity and digital forensics. Students gain hands-on learning experience from veterans of the cybersecurity industry.

Students work together to solve real digital forensics problems faced by law enforcement agencies all over America in this pre-college summer program. The curriculum covers a wide breadth of digital forensics and cybersecurity topics, from constructing and safeguarding networks to investigating digital crimes and presenting their findings in small teams.

A sample of the sessions students will take include:

  • Introduction to Cybersecurity
  • Introduction to Digital Forensics
  • Steganography
  • Cyber Threats
  • Cyber Defense
  • Social Engineering
  • Acquiring Digital Evidence
  • Malware Analysis
  • Hands on IoT
  • Laws of Digital Evidence
  • OS Forensics

Academy attendees will visit a local cybersecurity firm where they’ll get a glimpse into what it’s like to work in the field and have an opportunity to learn from, and ask questions of, experts at the organization. The Academy also hosts an industry-expert Champlain alumnus guest speaker. They provide students with first-hand advice on navigating a degree in cybersecurity and digital forensics and demystify the many career paths available within the industry.

This program is designed for:

  • Students entering grades 10–12 and recent high school graduates (ages 15-18)
  • Students who are interested in the growing fields of cybersecurity and digital forensics
  • Students who want to experience a digital forensics lab firsthand while meeting new friends and building connections with industry experts

Scholarship Opportunities for Women

We are pleased to announce exciting scholarship opportunities for young women interested in attending the 2025 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.

Pre-College Summer Program Details

Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics Academy

Residential

Students entering grades 10–12 and recent high school graduates (ages 15-18)
Monday, July 7 – Friday, July 18, 2025
$4,500.00
Student smiling and working on a computer

Get a Jump Start on College Education

In the Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics Academy, students will:

  • Gain real, practical skills in cybersecurity
  • Learn how to defend against cyberattacks, investigate digital crimes, and work both independently and as part of a team
  • Learn new skills and work collaboratively with other students who are also passionate about cybersecurity and digital forensics
  • Learn to present your findings as part of a small team
  • Prepare for both college life and their future careers in cybersecurity

Learn from the Best

During the program, students work closely with Champlain College professors who teach our Computer Networking & Cybersecurity and Computer & Digital Forensics courses and have extensive expertise and professional connections in the fields of cybersecurity and digital forensics.

Group of friends smiling sitting in front of Champlain College academic building

Make Friends

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.

Experience Champlain College

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.

Student presenting at a podium

Example of a Daily Schedule

The daily program will include morning and afternoon instruction, and a combination of instruction and recreational activities in the evenings. We’ll work right through the weekend to take full advantage of the time we have together!

8:00 – 9:00 AMBreakfast and Morning Meeting
9:00 AM – 12:00 PMHands-on investigation into a digital forensics or cybersecurity topic
12:00 – 2:00 PMLunch and Recreation
2:00 – 5:00 PMHands-on investigation and small group workshop exploring and demonstrating the day’s investigation
5:00 – 10:00 PMDinner and Evening Lab or Recreation Activity
11:00 PMLights Out

Experience College Before College

More in Student Life
Students playing frisbee on a lawn on Champlain campus
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

Learn More About Pre-College Summer Programs at Champlain College

Fill out the form below to receive additional information about our programs through our mailing list. If you have any questions, contact us at precollege@champlain.edu, or include them in your form submission, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Picture of Champlain College campus