CyberPatriot: The National Youth Cyber Education Program

CyberPatriot is the flagship national initiative of the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA), designed to ignite interest in cybersecurity and STEM fields among K-12 students. This dynamic program encourages technical problem-solving, teamwork, and digital literacy while challenging students to defend virtual networks in real-world-style competitions. It’s where tomorrow’s cyber defenders take their first steps.

Upcoming CyberPatriot Events

📅 Date 📍 Location 🔗 Status
14–16 Mar 2026 Bethesda, MD ✅ Past National Finals
Spring 2026 Location Coming Soon 🕒 Awaiting Announcement
Watch the official site for updates and rules.


Core Program Highlights

  • National Youth Cyber Defense Competition: The largest cyber contest for middle and high school students
  • STEM Career Exploration: Pathways into cybersecurity, engineering, and technology fields
  • Team-Based Challenges: Students work as a unit to identify vulnerabilities, patch systems, and secure networks

Want to get involved or learn more about competition rules and registration? Visit the official site: uscyberpatriot.org

Why CyberPatriot Matters

  • Real-World Skills: Students learn about system hardening, security policy, and threat detection
  • Mentorship: Supported by technical mentors from industry and military backgrounds
  • Scholarships & Recognition: Top teams earn awards, scholarships, and media spotlight

Spotlight Feature:
CyberPatriot competition image
Have a winning team or standout cadet? Submit write-ups or images to be featured in CyberCadet Spotlight.


JROTC National Events Hub

Explore premier competitions and leadership experiences that define the Army JROTC program. These events challenge cadets in academics, fitness, STEM, and citizenship—while building lifelong skills and connections.


Featured Events

  • Raider Nationals – Oct 23–26, 2025, Fort Knox, KY. Includes obstacle courses, rope bridges, strength tests, and first aid challenges.
  • JLAB – Leadership & Academic Bowl – June 15–26, 2025, Washington, D.C. STEM activities, trivia competitions, and DC-area leadership experiences.
  • Drill Championships – May 2–3, 2026, Daytona Beach, FL. Armed/unarmed drill, color guard, and inspection events.
  • VEX Robotics Nationals – May 9–11, 2025, Dallas, TX. Engineering and coding competition with REC Foundation.
  • Air Rifle Championships – Regionals Feb–Mar; Finals Spring 2025. Sporter and precision marksmanship events.
  • CyberPatriot Challenge – Finals Spring 2025. Cybersecurity competition focused on securing virtual networks.
  • Archery Nationals – Spring 2025, Sandy, UT & Louisville, KY. Precision archery competition across two regions.
  • Drone Nationals – Spring 2025, TBD. New STEM event using RADC-approved drones.

Registration & Contact


CyberPatriot: The National Youth Cyber Education Program

CyberPatriot is the flagship national initiative of the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA), designed to ignite interest in cybersecurity and STEM fields among K-12 students. This dynamic program encourages technical problem-solving, teamwork, and digital literacy while challenging students to defend virtual networks in real-world-style competitions. It’s where tomorrow’s cyber defenders take their first steps.

Upcoming CyberPatriot Events

📅 Date 📍 Location 🔗 Status
14–16 Mar 2026 Bethesda, MD ✅ Past National Finals
Spring 2026 Location Coming Soon 🕒 Awaiting Announcement
Watch the official site for updates and rules.


Core Program Highlights

  • National Youth Cyber Defense Competition: The largest cyber contest for middle and high school students
  • STEM Career Exploration: Pathways into cybersecurity, engineering, and technology fields
  • Team-Based Challenges: Students work as a unit to identify vulnerabilities, patch systems, and secure networks

Want to get involved or learn more about competition rules and registration? Visit the official site: uscyberpatriot.org

Why CyberPatriot Matters

  • Real-World Skills: Students learn about system hardening, security policy, and threat detection
  • Mentorship: Supported by technical mentors from industry and military backgrounds
  • Scholarships & Recognition: Top teams earn awards, scholarships, and media spotlight

Spotlight Feature:
CyberPatriot competition image
Have a winning team or standout cadet? Submit write-ups or images to be featured in CyberCadet Spotlight.