CSUSB WITH Cyber Camp introduces high school students to cybersecurity careers

High school students from across the region spent five days exploring the in-demand fields of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence during the Center for Cyber and AI's 2026 WITH Cyber Camp, held June 7-11 at Cal State San Bernardino's Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration.

Centered on the theme, "Think Like a Wolf, Move Like a Coyote," the immersive summer camp introduced students to cybersecurity concepts through hands-on instruction, career mentorship and collaborative challenges.

Throughout the week, campers explored topics including network operations, vulnerability analysis, defensive cybersecurity, incident response, operational technology cybersecurity engineering and artificial intelligence. The curriculum was designed around the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework and the National Security Agency's GenCyber cybersecurity concepts, giving students practical experience with real-world cybersecurity roles and technologies.

One of the camp's distinguishing features is that the courses are developed and taught by current CSUSB cybersecurity students, allowing campers to learn directly from peers who have recently begun their own cybersecurity journeys.

Beyond technical instruction, the camp emphasized teamwork and community.

"My favorite part of camp was making friends," said camper Nahiara Guillén. "I honestly didn't come here thinking I'd meet a lot of new people, but I've met a lot of people who are on similar levels when it comes to cybersecurity. So, I didn't feel alone when I was learning."

Students also appreciated the opportunity to connect with classmates while building professional networks.

"One thing that I've learned while being here is the great networking opportunities," said camper Zavier Phillips. "I got to meet up with some other Cajon (High School) alumni since I graduated from high school this year. Truly an experience I must say."

Phillips also credited conversations with camp instructors for expanding his perspective on artificial intelligence.

"Me and (instructor) Matthew had a good in depth conversation regarding AI and how you should use AI instead of a crutch more as tool," he said.

In addition to classroom instruction, campers participated in daily "Power Hour" mentorship sessions featuring cybersecurity professionals from organizations including the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire, and Loma Linda University Health. The sessions introduced students to career pathways and allowed them to hear firsthand how cybersecurity professionals apply their skills across industries.

The week also balanced technical learning with team-building activities and friendly competition. Campers enjoyed themed spirit days, outdoor games and collaborative challenges, culminating in the Cyber x AI "Secure the Win" competition, where they applied the knowledge and skills they had developed throughout the week.

For camper Hayley Reusch, that balance helped make the experience memorable.

"My favorite part of camp was actually throwing water balloons," she said. "My second thing is the afternoon activities, how we went from studying onto classes to immediately just having that chill mental break and playing fun activities."

Camper Aarya Wani said the camp's technical challenges made the learning especially rewarding.

"My favorite part of camp was the rewarding feeling after solving a challenge because it was really hard to solve,” she said. “And when we got the key ... It was a really good experience!"

The annual WITH Cyber Camp is part of the Center for Cyber and AI's ongoing efforts to inspire the next generation of cybersecurity professionals by providing high school students with early exposure to technical skills, industry mentors and college-level learning. In partnership with CSUSB-based California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP) San Bernardino County Consortium (Cal-SOAP), the camp also included a residential experience that allowed students to live on campus while participating in the program, giving many campers an opportunity to experience college life firsthand.