Gallatin College MSU hosts third annual Montana Cybersecurity Summer Initiative Camp

BOZEMAN - Gallatin College Montana State University recently hosted the third annual Montana Cybersecurity Summer Initiative Camp to introduce Montana middle- and high-school students to the potential dangers that are inherent online.

The camp, held the week of June 10 at the Gallatin College MSU east campus in Bozeman, focused on hands-on activities to increase student understanding of cybersecurity. The camp was funded by a $14,000 grant from Cyber Montana, which covered the cost for all 26 attendees.

"We teach them how to be safe online and why it's important," said Ronda Black, director of information technology at Gallatin College MSU. "My main goal is to create awareness throughout middle and high schools."

This year's main activity, said Black, was the programming of Raspberry Pi Wi-Fi adapters, which the students directed to a YouTube page. Other activities during the week included cybersecurity lessons, STEM puzzles and small group discussions about the experiences the visiting students have had online.

Gallatin College MSU's emphasis on cybersecurity education was recognized last October when the National Security Agency's National Cryptologic School designated it as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. This designation recognizes Gallatin College MSU's high-quality educational programs that prepare students to protect and promote America's national security and economic prosperity.

"Gallatin College is proud to offer a high-quality, nationally recognized cyber program that meets the needs of local and state employers," said Stephanie Gray, dean of Gallatin College MSU.

Gallatin College MSU is southwest Montana's two-year college, offering two-year associate degrees and one-year professional certificates that complement the four-year programs at Montana State University. In addition to the work at Gallatin College MSU, Montana State is a complete hub for cybersecurity training in Montana, focusing on workforce development, research, pedagogy and engagement with industry. The university has received more than $8 million in funding from many sources over the last five years. Funding sources include the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense, national laboratories, the National Science Foundation and private industry. In September 2022, MSU received $4.47 million to research improved cyberattack resistance methods. In addition to the one-year certificate and two-year associate degree in cybersecurity information assurance, Gallatin College MSU offers a one-year certificate and two-year associate degree in IT Network Technology. MSU offers a Master of Science in cybersecurity, making its graduates highly sought-after candidates for jobs in the industry.