Students Inspire the Next Generation of Cyber Defenders through CyberGuardian Camp

BGSU’s Computer Science faculty and students are inspiring future cybersecurity professionals through CyberGuardian Camp, a unique program designed to teach high school students critical cybersecurity skills while sparking their interest in STEM careers. Supported by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Ohio Cyber Range Institute (OCRI), this initiative combines technical expertise, real-world simulations, and mentorship to create an unforgettable experience for participants.

The five-day summer camp, hosted on BGSU’s campus, immerses students in the world of cybersecurity through hands-on activities such as ethical hacking challenges, password cracking exercises, and lessons in digital forensics. Participants learn how to recognize and defend against phishing attacks, explore cryptographic techniques, and even experiment with artificial intelligence-driven robots navigating mazes. The program’s engaging, team-based approach helps demystify complex topics and makes cybersecurity accessible for students of all backgrounds.

“CyberGuardian Camp is more than just a learning experience—it’s about showing young people how they can play an active role in protecting our digital world,” said Dr. Ruinian Li, faculty lead for the program. “We’re helping them see cybersecurity as both exciting and attainable, and building confidence in their ability to pursue careers in this critical field.”

The camp’s success is reflected in the enthusiastic feedback from its participants. One camper shared, “I just had a really fun and amazing time actually learning valuable lessons and making new friends. It was a great experience all around.” Another wrote, “The camp was great! I loved learning about network attacks, cryptography, and coding in Python.” A third summed it up simply: “Really glad I could come. This is one of the best summer camps I’ve ever been to.”

Partnerships with organizations like OCRI brought state-of-the-art virtual labs into the program, allowing students to practice defending networks in realistic environments. These resources, combined with the mentorship of BGSU faculty and students, helped bridge the gap between academic concepts and practical application.

The camp also aligns with a broader effort to address the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals nationwide. According to recent industry data, millions of cybersecurity positions remain unfilled, and initiatives like CyberGuardian Camp are vital for developing a skilled and diverse talent pipeline.

For BGSU students who supported the program, the camp provided valuable opportunities to develop leadership, communication, and technical skills. Faculty members noted that these experiences not only benefit the high school participants but also strengthen the university’s own student community.

“This is how we safeguard Ohio’s digital future—by inspiring and equipping the next generation today,” Dr. Li said.

“The camp’s impact extends far beyond technical knowledge,” said Dr. Jake Lee, faculty advisor and co-investigator. “It fosters teamwork, curiosity, and a sense of purpose among students, encouraging them to see themselves as future leaders in cybersecurity.”

Due to the overwhelming interest and positive outcomes, BGSU plans to continue offering CyberGuardian Camp annually. Future plans include expanding the curriculum to cover advanced topics such as AI in cybersecurity, cloud security, and emerging digital threats, as well as increasing outreach to high schools across Ohio.