Cybersecurity Research Programs for High School Students
EC Finder currently lists 17 cybersecurity research programs for high school students. Of these, 15 are free to participate in and 13 offer virtual participation. Examples include CISA Cybersecurity Career Resources, Cisco Networking Academy - Cybersecurity Courses, and Cyber.org High School Pathways.
- 17
- listed
- 15
- free
- 13
- virtual
- 17
- with a listed deadline
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are cybersecurity research programs for high school students?
- Cybersecurity Research Programs for High School Students are curated extracurricular listings for high school students interested in cybersecurity. Each listing includes eligibility, cost, and deadline details where known, so you can compare options and find the right fit for your college application profile.
- Are any of these research programs free?
- Yes — 15 of the 17 research programs listed here are free to participate in.
- Can I participate virtually?
- Yes — 13 of the 17 research programs listed here offer virtual or online participation.
- Are cybersecurity research programs good for a college application?
- Yes — cybersecurity research programs are a common way for high schoolers to show sustained interest and initiative in cybersecurity on college applications.
Related Categories
17 activities found·Browse by category
CISA Cybersecurity Career Resources
Government resources for exploring cybersecurity careers including scholarships, internships, and educational pathways.
Cisco Networking Academy - Cybersecurity Courses
Free online courses (Introduction to Cybersecurity, Cybersecurity Essentials) with hands-on labs and industry-recognized certifications.
Cyber.org High School Pathways
Comprehensive curriculum with hands-on labs, assessments, and teacher support. Covers cybersecurity fundamentals, ethical hacking, and digital forensics.
CyberDefenders
Blue team focused platform with digital forensics and incident response challenges. Practice defending networks using real-world attack scenarios.
Cyberjutsu Girls Academy
Monthly hands-on STEM/cybersecurity workshops from the Women's Society of Cyberjutsu for middle- and high-school-aged girls, covering web design, mobile app development, and programming, with CyberPatriot and CTF teams.
Cybersecurity Mentorship Programs (CyberAcademy by CyberWarrior Foundation)
Free mentorship connecting high school students with cybersecurity professionals for career guidance and skill development.
CyberStart America
A free national online program delivered by the SANS Institute with 200+ gamified challenges covering cryptography, web exploitation, Python, forensics, and code-breaking, serving as the qualifying platform for the National Cyber Scholarship.
CybHER - Arcade Hack CTF
A cybersecurity outreach initiative based at Dakota State University focused on engaging girls in cyber, including the Arcade Hack capture-the-flag challenge and related events/workshops.
Girls Who Code - Clubs & Pathways
Free, project-based programs including a cybersecurity track alongside web development, game design, and data science. Clubs meet after school/weekends; the self-paced Pathways program is virtual for high schoolers.
HackTheBox Academy
Industry-leading penetration testing platform with comprehensive learning paths. Free tier provides access to retired machines and foundational courses.
NIST NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework
Free resources mapping cybersecurity careers, skills, and learning pathways. Essential for understanding the breadth of cybersecurity roles.
OverTheWire Wargames
Free online cybersecurity wargames teaching fundamental to advanced security concepts through hands-on challenges. Self-paced progression through difficulty levels.
SANS Cyber Foundations
Free online cybersecurity fundamentals course covering networking, operating systems, and security concepts. Self-paced with optional certification exam.
School Cybersecurity Club Formation Resources
Organizations like ISSA, ISC2, and (ISC)² provide free resources, speakers, and curriculum for starting high school cybersecurity clubs.
TryHackMe
Gamified cybersecurity learning platform with hands-on labs and challenges. Learn penetration testing, web exploitation, and network security through interactive rooms.
UMBC Cyber 101 Program
A free overnight program at UMBC's Center for Women in Technology introducing high school seniors (and select juniors) of all genders to cybersecurity and computing career pathways through an on-campus residential experience.
WiCyS (Women in Cybersecurity) Student Chapters
Student chapters that run recruitment, retention, mentorship, and skill-building activities in cybersecurity, giving students community, mentorship, and access to WiCyS resources and events.
ECFinder provides links to outside extracurricular opportunities for informational purposes only. Students and families should research each program before applying. ECFinder does not operate or control the listed organizations and is not responsible for their actions or policies.