Our goal is to provide high school students with an introductory cybersecurity experience defending computer systems, including hands-on experience with defensive cybersecurity practices – core skills applicable to any cybersecurity career.
Our sessions include expert presentations by guest speakers from industry- leading companies who have both deep experience in cybersecurity fields and insight into careers in IT security, network and cloud security and secure software engineering.
When I entered cyber camp as a 9th grader, I had plenty of interest in computers but very little knowledge of cybersecurity. That completely changed after signing up. The camp provided incredible knowledge, inspiration, and motivation. Thanks to the support from mentors and peers, I have already launched my own cybersecurity club to share this passion. Committing to the camp full-time was seamless, and the environment was incredibly supportive. Everyone was on the same page, the teachers were always ready to help, and I loved learning alongside my peers. It was an amazing experience connecting with others and building these new skills.
- H.S., 2025 Camper
NW Cyber Camp, conceived and launched by an Oregon high school student and her father, is now a program of the Oregon Cybersecurity Center of Excellence. Continuing the work started by the Kawasaki family, means offering engaging and meaningful experiences in cybersecurity education for Oregon youth each summer. NW Cyber Camp is both a vehicle for a student’s personal career development and a statewide workforce development strategy, supporting the cybersecurity sector’s need for talent.
Oregon House Bill 2049 (2023) established the Oregon Cybersecurity Center of Excellence at Portland State University to be operated under the joint direction and control of three founding universities: PSU, Oregon State University, and the University of Oregon. The NW Cyber Camp office is at Portland State University and can be reached at [email protected].
Why Cybersecurity?
Think of cybersecurity professionals as the digital heroes of the modern world. Every time you stream a movie, video game, or text your friends, cybersecurity is what keeps that data safe from hackers. Because tech is expanding so fast, the world is facing a massive shortage of up to 1 million trained professionals in the coming years.
By diving into cybersecurity now, you’re exploring a career that offers:
- High Demand Occupations: Companies are actively competing for talent. You will have immense job security right out of school.
- High Skills & High Wages: Because these skills are specialized, cybersecurity roles offer some of the highest starting salaries in tech.
- Options: Every single industry needs security. Whether you want to work in gaming, fashion, critical infrastructure, or public service, there is a place for you.
Funding
NW Cyber Camp appreciates the support of numerous public and private sponsors. Donations to NWCC can now be made through a fund managed by the Portland State Foundation.
Camps in Ashland, Corvallis, Eugene, Klamath Falls, Oregon City, and Portland were made possible by a generous donation from Fortinet. Fortinet, founded in 2000, has long been a driving force in the evolution of cybersecurity and the convergence of networking and security. Their mission is to secure people, devices, and data everywhere, making possible a digital world people can always trust. Fortinet holds 1,430 U.S. patents, a testament to their dedication to innovation. Fortinet’s donation to NW Cyber Camp demonstrates their belief that cybersecurity training and education is essential to building a safer digital world.
We are also grateful to Propeller and Palo Alto Networks for their contributions and support.
Contact Us
[email protected]