LEXINGTON, Va. May 5, 2026 — The Virginia Military Institute Cyber Defense Laboratory (CyDef) will host its annual CyberSmart workshop for middle school students, Monday, June 8 through Thursday, June 11, and for high school students, Monday June 15 through Thursday, June 18 in Marshall Hall on post. Hours will be from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. No experience is required, but students must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to attend.

These workshops are offered at no cost to students and are sponsored by a grant from the Department of Defense. Each day will include team-based, hands-on projects, intriguing demonstrations and instruction, and mentoring from VMI cyber captains. Students will acquire knowledge of cybersecurity attacks and defense; develop skills to detect, identify, and mitigate attacks; and demonstrate the ability to analyze problems and build solutions. 

Students will leave the program with a certificate of completion, as well as opportunities to be involved with future VMI CyDef events and projects. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided each day. Students do not need to bring their own computers or other devices, as laptops will be provided.

Registration is open until Friday, May 15, or until all spots are filled.

Register online for middle school here.

Register online for high school here.

For more information contact Pamela Waldron at waldronpj@vmi.edu 

- VMI -