Intuitive Research provided $2500 in support this year towards the expansion of the Hsu Foundation’s AFACyberPatriot Camp allowing outreach to grow from one camp to three camps and reaching over 65 students at the standard and advanced level of instruction in Fort Walton Beach and Crestview locations. This lead sponsorship for Summer 2019 continued the support they provided last year towards the first camp program HSU Educational Foundation launched in 2018. It is a privilege for students to attend and participate in this program, which is offered as a scholar opportunity. Most students are referred to the program by IT teachers and many times selected because the program might provide just the right incentive and spark to spurn greater achievement in STEM during the school year. The program was made even more successful with the help of the Eglin Chapter of the AFA, who coordinated and provided lunch meals for the attendees.

The AFA CyberCamp curriculum paired with the HSU Foundation’s balance of speakers and activities represents a rigorous week-long training camp experience that culminates in a 3-hour virtual tournament on the final day competing against camps all over the country. The programs are especially impactful and inspiring to students through the participation of Air Force and Cyber Industry professionals who serve as camp mentors and guest speakers throughout the week. Even older, more seasoned students have come back to help support the program; it is that infectious to students interested in exploring these career fields. We see many of these program participants actively seeking additional aligned training courses in the classroom offering certification opportunities and in the realm of afterschool with the formation of extracurricular competition teams.

Thank you Intuitive Research and Technology and Eglin AFA for your generous sponsorship. We are grateful and appreciate the support of Ruby Tuesday – Niceville, Whataburger, McDonald’s – Crestview, Subway #1315 – Crestview Plaza, Walmart – Crestview, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Papa John’s Pizza – Mary Esther Cutoff, SiteOne Landscape Supply for the meals provided during these camps. Thank you, Courtney Gable and Daniel Sligar, for sharing your experience, encouragement and instruction! Thank you to all our Eglin and Hurlburt Field professional mentors! You are inspiring the future cyber workforce!