Local Students Complete Week of Hands-On Cybersecurity Training

The Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce and Calhoun Community College wrapped up a successful week of CyberPatriot Camp on June 26, providing local students with a hands-on introduction to cybersecurity through two five-day camps offered at no cost.

One camp was designed for rising 6th–8th grade students, while the other served rising 9th–12th grade students. Throughout the week, campers learned the fundamentals of cybersecurity through interactive activities and real-world challenges. Students gained experience using Microsoft Windows and Linux operating systems, explored multiple numbering systems and learned about operating system configuration.

CyberPatriot is the nation's premier youth cyber education program, inspiring students to explore careers in cybersecurity and other STEM fields while developing critical technology and problem-solving skills. The week concluded with campers participating in a nationwide CyberPatriot competition, where they put the knowledge and skills they developed throughout the camp to the test. Following the competition, students and their families gathered for an awards ceremony to celebrate the campers' accomplishments and recognize their hard work.

The CyberPatriot Camps are part of the Chamber's Educational Camps initiative, which introduces students to high-demand career fields through engaging, hands-on experiences in partnership with local educators and industry leaders. The Chamber and Calhoun will continue the summer programming the week of July 13 with SWeETy (Summer Welding, Engineering & Electrical Technology) Camp. Thank you to our Educational Camps presenting sponsor Indorama Ventures, SWeETy Camp platinum sponsor River City Electric and gold sponsor Nucor Steel.