Through a far-sighted Summer Cybercamp program hosted at West Valley College in June, 53 area high school students gained early, hands-on exposure to cybersecurity careers, among the fastest growing and in-demand fields nationwide.
Offered at no cost to students, the 2025 Summer Cybercamps provided lessons in cybersecurity, technology ethics, cryptography, digital and network forensics, web application security, and Linux fundamentals. Campers chose between introductory (June 9-13), intermediate (June 16-20), and advanced sessions (online only) to suit their experience level. Started in 2016 by the Bay Area Cyber League as a pilot program at Las Positas College in Livermore, interest spread, and 12 regional community colleges hosted cybercamps the following summer. WVC has hosted its program each summer since 2019.
The top goal of the program, according to Mark Manrose, Director of the WVC School of Continuing Education, is to increase degree and certificate completion by underrepresented high school and community college students. Cybercamps, he said, help broaden students’ horizons and spark interest in continuing their studies to earn the appropriate credentials to enter the cybersecurity workforce.
WVC runs its Summer Cybercamp program in partnership with the Bay Area Community College Consortium and funding through a Regional Joint Venture via Strong Workforce. The program is further supported by a National Science Foundation – Advanced Technological Education grant.