GenCyber@TACC Cybersecurity is an innovative and exciting summer program that increases high school students' interest in cybersecurity careers and online safety. Students participate in fun, exploratory lessons and learn about online personal safety, computer networking, mobile security, cryptography, cloud computing, cyber-crime and ethics.
All current 9th through 11th grade (rising 10th and 12th grade) high school students are welcome to apply. Students from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Selected students will be accepted and housed in a campus dorm at The University of Texas at Austin (UT).
Students are expected to participate in GenCyber@TACC Cybersecurity until the conclusion of the program. All students will be invited to participate in quarterly Back@TACC STEM workshops upon completion of the program.
Students will be notified of selections by April 28th, 2023.
Free
Use a project based-learning approach to foster creativity and problem solving skills.
Use hands-on technology to learn the basics of cybersecurity.
Learn how a cybersecurity professional would apply software security to their code and data sets.
Get a private virtual tour at the TACC Visualization Laboratory (Vislab) and data center.
Interact with TACC's cutting-edge technology systems.
Collaborate with peers, college students, scientists, researchers and engineers.
Willingness to learn
Code of Conduct (sent in mail) Release and Indemnification Media Release Y.P.P. Medical Treatment Authorization Transportation Form
Go to Forms
GenCyber@TACC Camp Communication Plan (English)
GenCyber@TACC Plan de Comunicación (Spanish)
Dates & Ages
What are the dates of camp?
Sunday June 11th through Saturday June 17th, 2023.
What are the ages of the GenCyber@TACC participants?
During the summer program, participants are rising juniors and seniors in high school.
On-Site
Where will camp be located?
This program will be located on the campus of The University of Texas at Austin.
Where will the students be staying during the course of the program?
Students will be housed in a campus residential hall (campus dorm). Participants are responsible for their travel to and from the UT campus at the start and conclusion of program.
Will students be able to wash clothes?
Participants will be able to wash and dry clothes in their residential halls. There is no cost to wash or dry clothes in their residential halls. Laundry detergent and softener will be provided by camp.
How many days of clothes should I bring?
Participants will be able to wash clothes in their residential halls therefore participants should bring one week's worth of clothes. Participants are also encouraged to bring comfortable shoes and "nice" dressy clothes for their dining etiquette dinner.
Common
Can parents/guardians get involved in the camp?
Parents are encouraged to attend final presentations, on the last day of the program.
What is the cost of camp?
There is no cost.
How can I contact the UT Austin Code@TACC Team?
Please email our office at outreach@tacc.utexas.edu or call English: 512-232-0831, Español: 512-368-7890.
Who will be supervising my child during the camp?
Students will be supervised by college counselors. Counselors have been background-checked (also checked through the national sex offender registry) and have received child protection training.
Participation
Do I have to have my own computer or laptop?
Participants will be provided the necessary electronic and sensor components to complete the program.
Can I leave the program early?
Participants are expected to continue until the end of the program.
General
Should students bring their own computer or laptop?
Participants will not need to bring laptops from home.
What should students bring to the residential hall?
Participants will be provided with bed linen, and pillows however participants are responsible to bring their own toiletries (deodorant, hair products, etc).
Can my child pick their roommate?
Program is designed to prepare students for college life, including getting to know a new roommate.
What safety precautions are taken in the residence halls?
University housing requires card access to enter each building. Also, exits are alarmed and connected to University PD. Also, at least two counselors are assigned to sleep in each residential building.
Health
What if my child has food allergies or special dietary needs?
Please let us know of any dietary restrictions so that food options will be offered to fit your student's dietary needs.
What if my child needs to see a doctor?
We have an on campus health service for minor treatment (512-471-4955), Monday through Friday 8am – 5pm. For emergency treatment, students will be transported to St. David's North Austin Medical Center (12221 N. Mopac).
Leaving Campus / Having Visitors
Can my child leave the camp early?
Participants will be unable to leave campus during the operating hours of the camp.
Can my child have visitors during Code@TACC?
Participants will be unable to have visitors. Adults with access to our campers require background checks (also checked through the national sex offender registry) and training on protecting children from abuse. Also, adults (including counselors) are never allowed to be alone with a camper.
Participants have the right to dress as they choose as long as their dress meets the approved dress and grooming regulations, does not disrupt activities, is not obscene or defamatory, and does not endanger the physical health or safety of themselves or others.
Participants have the responsibility to dress and groom in such a manner so as to reflect cleanliness, modesty, safety and good taste; become familiar with and adhere to approved dress and grooming expectations of the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC).
TACC's summer participant dress code standards are designed to promote an appropriate environment for individuals who are preparing themselves for life. We ask that students not wear the following:
If a student's personal appearance or form of dress violates these standards, the student will be allowed to correct the problem. Many details and styles of clothing cannot be covered in the dress code; therefore, the administration (including counselors) of TACC reserves the right to make to final determination concerning appropriateness of a student's attire.
Funding provided by the National Security Agency and the National Science Foundation.
