Great Lakes Region
Main Content

GLR Cybersecurity Academy

2023 GLR Cybersecurity Academy

Saturday 24 June - Saturday 1 July 
Ferris State University – Big Rapids, Michigan

Overview

The Great Lakes Region Cybersecurity Academy is a one-week CAP Cadet Special Activity (CSA). Cadets who attend the Academy will grow their knowledge of Windows and Linux operating systems, networking, cybersecurity careers, and practical cybersecurity defense techniques.  Cadets will also grow their leadership skills and practice working successfully as members of virtual teams. 

In 2023, the Academy will continue to offer an advanced curriculum, which builds upon basic skills and helps cadets 1) determine career interests and acquire technical skills for entry level cybersecurity jobs (such as service desk or SOC Analyst), 2) prepare for the top-tier CAP NCSA Cyber courses. Based on cadet feedback from the last several years, The 2023 Academy will continue to conduct three parallel tracks that delve deeply into advanced subject matter. Cadets must enroll in one of the three tracks: 

  • Networking. Students will focus on network security concepts such as network forensics, firewall rules/configurations, and network-based security controls. 

  • Systems. Students will learn how to build a security testing environment, commonly called a cyber range, in the cloud by learning industry leading topics such DevOps, Cloud infrastructure, Terraform Infrastructure as Code (IaC), PowerShell, and Python.

  • Operational Technology and the Internet of Things. OT / IOT will consist of a series of lab activities using mBot Cyberpi computer kits. Students will write basic Python computer code and observe how their programs interact with external systems and devices.

The tracks will also merge for general sessions on cybersecurity careers, the Air Force cyber operations pipeline and military career opportunities, as well as a field trip to an active security operations center.

Ferris State University (FSU) hosts several sports and other types of camps during the summer months and is a great all-around environment where you can spend a week using computer lab facilities with client endpoints (PCs), software, and networking needed for hands-on practice.

How-to Apply

Use the "Apply Online" link here or on the ncsas.com homepage to connect you to eServices' Registration and Payment System. Applicants, including cadets, seniors and staff will need to complete the application in eServices or they will not receive credit for the activity in their records. For staff applicants, you will be contacted to let you know whether or not you have not been selected. Applications will be accepted from 1 December onward.  To be considered for priority placement status, the completed application including supplemental documents must be submitted by 15 January.  Applications submitted after 15 January are accepted but are marked "late" and will be considered AFTER all applications submitted before the deadline. Priority timelines do not apply to staff applications.

Activity Name Participant Course #
Great Lakes Region Cybersecurity Academy Staff 416
Great Lakes Region Cybersecurity Academy Networking Course 444
Great Lakes Region Cybersecurity Academy Systems Course 445
Great Lakes Region Cybersecurity Academy IOT/OT Course 446

 

Cost and Financial Assistance

Due to year-over-year increases in FSU charges, the in-person Academy costs have increased. While we are actively working towards getting corporate donations or grants to offset the costs, the maximum tuition will be as follows:

Cadets (Including Cadet Staff): $450

Seniors: $285

Financial Support: Go to the eServices CadetInvest Module and apply for CADET LIFT/TAKEOFF PROGRAM (TOP) FLIGHT, to be considered for needs-based financial assistance or NCSA scholarships. Also apply for flight scholarships. These programs are designed to offset costs associated with attending some NCSAs, as well as flight academies. They include payment of your activity fees and transportation to and from the activity.  Go to the CadetInvest pages for more details. Deadline to apply for NCSA scholarships and financial assistance is December 31st, 2022, 12pm CST (Noon). Being offered financial assistance is not a guarantee of acceptance into an activity. You must compete for and receive a slot at an activity. You will be notified if you are a recipient of financial aid/scholarship before you are required to accept or decline a slot at an activity.

Eligibility Requirements

Course Students: Cadets from anywhere in the US (age 12+) who have an interest in cybersecurity will be considered for participation if they apply, and if they meet the following: 

  • Have previously completed at least one encampment.

  • Have received the Basic Cyber Badge, or its equivalent in-terms of skills and experience.

  • Have an endorsement from their unit commander attesting to their readiness to attend the Academy (completed via eServices NCSA application).

Course Staff (Cadets): Prior students of GLR Cybersecurity academy or other national cyber academies can apply to be course staff. Cadet Staff are integrated into courses and assist the academy director and course instructors directly in their efforts of planning and executing the weeklong curriculum. Cadets who apply to be staff should be knowledgeable in at least one of the courses curricula and will be interviewed prior to selection to ensure they are a good fit for the activity and course in which they wish to be slotted. 

Course Staff (Seniors): Senior members who are cybersecurity practitioners, and who would like to serve as instructors or technical mentors, are eligible to participate if accepted. 

Activity Staff (Seniors): Senior members who are not cybersecurity practitioners, but who would like to assist with cadet coaching and mentoring, are eligible to participate. 

Academy and Course Staff

Hosting a summer activity focused on teaching cybersecurity means a lot of work goes into the planning and execution of the event. Without the help and support of dedicated CAP members, this event could not take place. Below is a list of staff positions and a short description of their responsibilities.

Senior Staff

Academy Director: Lead the academy, ensuring completion of the objectives and adherence to requirements. Organize and lead the academy general sessions. Obtain the CAP Cadet Special Activity (CSA) accreditation.

Deputy Director: Assist the Academy Director in their duties to lead the academy and ensure the completion of the objectives and adhere to requirements.

Commandant of Cadets: Oversee the cadet leadership team and the wellbeing of all cadets. Guide the cadet leaders as they organize activities, assist cadets with adhering to CAP values, and enforce CAP customs and courtesies.

Network Course Instructors: Select the network course curriculum and deliver the content.

Systems Course Instructors: Select the systems course curriculum and deliver the content.

IOT/OT Course Instructors: Select the IOT/OT course curriculum and deliver the content.

Support Officers: Serve as generalists supporting the academy in various roles and capacities. This could include marketing and public affairs, administration, finance, logistics, transportation, or even shadowing the course instructors to assist them the following year.

Transportation Officers: Assist with planning and managing of corporate vehicles during the academy. Coordinate in-bound and out-bound transportation pools to / from the airport. Manage cadet transportation during the week in case of inclement weather, injuries, etc.

Cadet Staff

Cadet Commander: Lead the cadet staff and participate in the planning and scheduling of the academy. This position supports the overall academy.

Cadet Deputy for Support: Serve as a generalist supporting the academy in various capacities. This could include marketing and public affairs, administration, finance, logistics, or transportation. This position supports the overall academy.

Cadet Flight Leader/Instructor: Coordinate on-campus travel, oversee attendance in labs, classrooms, dining facilities, and during activities. There is a flight leader or instructor per course. Flight leaders are also students in the course who have taken on additional responsibilities. Cadet Instructors have demonstrated technical proficiency and under the guidance of the course instructors, assist with content delivery or deliver the content directly.

 

 

 

 

© 2024 Civil Air Patrol. All rights reserved.
×