Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics Academy
2027 REGISTRATION OPENS THIS FALL!
Please check back for more details.
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
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.
Pre-College Summer Program Details
Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics Academy
Residential
Why you’ll Love the CyberSecurity & Digital Forensics Academy
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 your 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.
Champlain College has been recognized as a National Center of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence by the U.S. Department of Defense Crime Center and has been designated by the National Security Agency as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.
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.
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 AM | Breakfast and Morning Meeting |
| 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | Exploration & hands-on Cybersecurity or Digital Forensics Lab #1 |
| 12:00–2:00 PM | Lunch and Recreation |
| 2:00–5:00 PM | Deeper investigation of morning lab session Or New Cybersecurity/Digital Forensics topic introduced |
| 5:00–10:00 PM | Dinner and Evening Lab or Recreation Activity |
| 11:00 PM | Lights Out |
Experience College Before College
More in Student Life
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.
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.
