Key Takeaways
- The University of West Florida (UWF) Center for Cybersecurity and AI, in partnership with the Regions Foundation, is offering free summer camps in 2026 for students in grades 7‑12 who are at least 13 years old.
- Two distinct one‑week sessions are provided: Foundations Camp (June 1‑5) for beginners and The Guild Camp (June 8‑12) for returning participants or students with prior exposure to cybersecurity, IT, programming, computer science, gaming, modeling, design, or engineering.
- Camp activities emphasize hands‑on learning via the Florida Cyber Range®, interactive games, puzzles, and real‑world problem solving, supplemented by talks from cybersecurity professionals.
- All costs—including tuition, lunch, and snacks—are covered by the Regions Foundation, reflecting its commitment to education, workforce readiness, and community development.
- Sessions run Monday‑Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT at the UWF Center for Cybersecurity and AI, 220 W Garden Street, downtown Pensacola.
- Interested students can learn more and register at uwf.edu/summercyberexperience.
Program Overview and Mission
The University of West Florida Center for Cybersecurity and AI has teamed up with the Regions Foundation to launch the Summer Cyber and AI Experience Camps for the summer of 2026. Designed to ignite enthusiasm for cybersecurity and artificial intelligence among younger learners, the camps aim to bridge the gap between classroom theory and practical, real‑world application. By offering a tuition‑free experience, the partnership seeks to remove financial barriers that often prevent talented students from exploring high‑demand technology fields. The initiative aligns with both organizations’ broader goals: UWF’s commitment to advancing cybersecurity education and workforce development, and the Regions Foundation’s focus on expanding economic opportunity through education and community investment.
Target Audience and Eligibility
The camps are open to rising seventh through twelfth graders who are at least 13 years old by the start date of the session. This age range ensures participants have sufficient maturity to engage with complex technical concepts while still being early enough in their academic journeys to influence future course and career selections. Eligibility is not limited to students already enrolled in STEM tracks; rather, the program welcomes any youth with a genuine curiosity about cybersecurity, AI, or related technologies. By casting a wide net, the organizers hope to uncover hidden talent and encourage diversity within the cybersecurity workforce, addressing longstanding gaps in gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic representation.
Foundations Camp: A Beginner’s Pathway
Scheduled for June 1‑5, 2026, Foundations Camp serves as an entry point for students who are either completely new to cybersecurity or have only minimal exposure through school clubs or introductory courses. The curriculum is deliberately scaffolded, beginning with fundamental concepts such as network basics, password hygiene, and phishing awareness before progressing to more interactive exercises. Campers will work directly with the Florida Cyber Range®, a cloud‑based platform that simulates real‑world network environments, allowing them to practice defensive tactics in a safe, controlled setting. Throughout the week, participants will also engage in team‑based games and puzzles designed to reinforce learning objectives while fostering collaboration and problem‑solving skills.
The Guild Camp: Advancing Existing Skills
Running June 8‑12, 2026, The Guild Camp targets students who have previously attended a UWF cyber camp or who possess coursework or extracurricular experience in areas such as IT, programming, computer science, gaming, modeling, design, or engineering. This session builds on foundational knowledge by introducing more advanced topics, including introductory cryptography, secure software development principles, and basic incident response workflows. The Guild Camp leverages the same Florida Cyber Range® infrastructure but presents scenarios that require higher‑order thinking, such as analyzing mock intrusion attempts, configuring firewalls, and conducting vulnerability assessments. By challenging returning campers with progressively complex tasks, the program aims to deepen technical competence and encourage pursuit of specialized certifications or collegiate cybersecurity programs.
Learning Methodology: Hands‑On, Interactive, and Professional‑Led
A core tenet of both camps is the belief that “the best way to learn anything is to do it,” as articulated by Guy Garrett, camp director and associate director of technology and training at the UWF Center for Cybersecurity and AI. Consequently, each day blends short instructional segments with prolonged periods of active practice. Students spend significant time at computer stations, executing scripts, analyzing log files, and defending simulated networks against controlled attacks. In addition to technical drills, the schedule incorporates gamified challenges—such as capture‑the‑flag style competitions and cyber‑escape‑room puzzles—that make learning engaging and memorable. To broaden perspectives, campers hear from practicing cybersecurity professionals who share insights about career pathways, day‑to‑day responsibilities, and emerging threats, thereby linking the camp experience to real‑world industry expectations.
Logistical Support: Location, Schedule, and Amenities
All camp activities will take place at the UWF Center for Cybersecurity and AI, situated at 220 W Garden Street in downtown Pensacola. The facility is equipped with modern computer labs, high‑speed internet connectivity, and dedicated spaces for collaborative work. Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time, providing a full‑day immersive experience while still allowing evenings for rest and reflection. Recognizing that sustained focus requires proper nourishment, the organizers will provide lunch and snacks each day at no cost to participants. Transportation to and from the venue is the responsibility of families, though the central downtown location is accessible via public transit and offers nearby parking options for those who drive.
Funding and Partnership Significance
The generous backing of the Regions Foundation makes it possible to offer the camps free of charge to all eligible and selected students. As a nonprofit initiative primarily funded by Regions Bank, the Foundation’s mission centers on creating more opportunities through economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, and financial wellness. By investing in youth cybersecurity education, the Foundation not only supports immediate skill development but also contributes to the long‑term health of the regional economy, positioning Pensacola and the broader Northwest Florida area as a hub for tech talent. John M. Gormley, Pensacola market executive for Regions Bank, emphasized that this grant represents an investment in tomorrow’s workforce while addressing today’s emerging technological needs, underscoring the strategic alignment between corporate philanthropy and educational advancement.
How to Apply and Next Steps
Prospective participants and their guardians can obtain detailed information, view the full camp schedule, and complete the registration process by visiting the dedicated webpage: uwf.edu/summercyberexperience. The site outlines eligibility criteria, required documentation (such as proof of age and parental consent), and deadlines for submission. Given the anticipated interest and limited capacity, early application is encouraged. Once selected, students will receive a welcome packet containing pre‑camp reading materials, a schedule of daily activities, and instructions for preparing their personal devices (if desired) for the hands‑on components of the program. The UWF Center for Cybersecurity and AI staff will be available to answer questions and provide support throughout the application and preparatory phases.
Anticipated Impact and Future Outlook
By delivering a no‑cost, high‑quality cybersecurity and AI experience to middle and high school students, the Summer Cyber and AI Experience Camps aim to spark lasting interest in STEM careers, particularly in fields that are critical to national security and economic competitiveness. Participants who complete the program are expected to leave with heightened confidence in their technical abilities, a clearer understanding of potential career trajectories, and a network of peers and mentors that can support continued learning. Moreover, the data gathered from camp outcomes—such as skill assessments and participant feedback—will inform future iterations of the program, allowing UWF and the Regions Foundation to refine curricula, expand reach, and potentially introduce additional tracks (e.g., advanced AI ethics, cloud security, or IoT defense) in subsequent years. In this way, the initiative not only addresses immediate educational needs but also lays the groundwork for a sustainable pipeline of skilled cybersecurity professionals capable of meeting evolving digital challenges.