Promoting Inclusion in Cybersecurity and Empowering the Next Generation: Lessons from KSU's GenCyber Camp

In 2023, Kennesaw State University hosted its first GenCyber student camp. It is a cybersecurity educational program sponsored by the National Security Agency and the National Science Foundation. The program aims to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the cybersecurity workforce and help underrepresented young students get early exposure to cybersecurity and cyber-related degree programs and KSU and other schools. The program included 65 participants, with over 72% identifying as minorities. Overall, students showed an increase in cybersecurity knowledge and a high interest in cybersecurity after completing the camp. After the program, we conducted an in-depth analysis of the program curriculum, engagement rate, and outcomes aiming to provide a teaching tip as a proof of concept and encourage others to seek NSA funding for GenCyber grants to benefit their local communities. This study provides valuable insights into designing a GenCyber curriculum for high school students and shares effective practices for recruiting diverse participants to help address the global shortage in the cybersecurity workforce.