CEHC Hosts Cybersecurity Camp for Capital Region JROTC Students

By Mike Nolan

ALBANY, N.Y. (June 13, 2023) — The University at Albany’s College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity (CEHC) recently hosted a half-day cybersecurity camp for local high school students.

Students attending were part of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) at Albany High School, a program funded by the U.S. military designed to teach leadership skills, discipline and civic values.

Through the camp, held at the ETEC research and development complex on Friday, June 2, students learned about the importance of cybersecurity. The day included hands-on skills development with cybersecurity tools and ethical hacking, discussions about career opportunities and networking with UAlbany cybersecurity professors.

It was co-led by Unal Tatar and Benjamin Yankson, assistant professors in CEHC’s Cybersecurity Department.

"I am immensely proud of the successful one-day cybersecurity camp we recently hosted for Junior ROTC students at Albany High School,” said Tatar. “At CEHC, we prioritize equipping the next generation with the necessary knowledge and skills to secure our nation against the ever-evolving threat environment.”

“This camp was instrumental in the continued awareness CEHC and UAlbany bring to the cybersecurity needs within our local community and the nation as a whole,” added Yankson. “The JROTC cadets were engaged throughout the entire camp. I was amazed at the excitement they showed and how curious they were about the field of cybersecurity.”

The camp was offered through support from UAlbany’s $1.5 million Virtual Cybersecurity Institute, which aims to help train the next generation of cybersecurity professionals for future military and civilian leadership positions. The institute launched last year as part of a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) initiative to establish cyber institutes through higher education partners across the country.

“Thanks to the generous funding from the Griffiss Institute, we’re able to bring together passionate students and top-notch instructors to foster a deep understanding of cybersecurity,” Tatar said. “Together, we are forging a path towards a safer digital future."