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.
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
Event Timeline & Locations
| 📅 Date | 📍 Location | 🔗 Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 14–18, 2025 | Bethesda, MD | ✅ Past National Finals |
| Spring 2026 (TBA) | Location Coming Soon | 🕒 Awaiting Announcement |
Want to get involved or learn more about competition rules and registration? Visit the official CyberPatriot 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: Have a winning team or a standout cadet story? Submit short write-ups or images to be showcased in our CyberCadet Spotlight section!
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