Overview
Hacker High School is a chance for high school students to learn how to protect themselves and their information from cybercriminals and get ahead within the fast-growing, high-potential industry of cybersecurity. This program is a great fit for students interested in pursuing a career in computer science, cybersecurity or IT as well as students interested in learning the tools and techniques to keep information secure in today’s digital world. This knowledge isn’t just essential to your own personal safety but incredibly valuable to employers in almost every field all over the world.
This 2-week program was developed in partnership with the Institute for Security and Open Methodologies (ISECOM) and taught by Quinnipiac’s own Information Security professionals. You will learn cybersecurity fundamentals and skills to keep your identity and personal devices safe from attackers using the same tools and techniques the professionals use, as well as gain a deep understanding of what “hacking” — the ability to figure out computer systems — is all about. Specific topics covered include internet infrastructure, malware, attack analysis, digital forensics, email safety, web security and privacy.
At the end of this program, you’ll walk away with:
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A 360-degree understanding of how computer and digital information works and the fundamentals of cybersecurity to keep your information secure
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The preparation needed to take the official certification exam for Certified Hacker Analyst sponsored by the Institute for Security and Open Methodologies (exam not included in the program)
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A certificate of completion with a QU instructor-written review and assessment
Register Now
Program Dates and Schedule
Session 1: July 14, 2025 - July 25, 2025
Sample Daily Schedule: This is only a sample schedule and is subject to change due to a variety of factors.
| Time |
Activity |
Detail |
|
9 a.m.
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Morning Meeting
|
Check-in with the group, quick introduction to the day’s theme, and short challenge or game to get excited and motivated for the day!
|
|
10 a.m.
|
Daily Lesson
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Faculty will teach and discuss the key topic for the day, incorporating hands-on learning, group discussions and case studies.
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Noon
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Lunch
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Eat and socialize with your classmates.
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|
1 p.m.
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Independent/Team Production Work Time
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This is a chance to put your hacker skills to the test in both independent and group challenges.
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3 p.m.
|
Feedback and Work Block
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Get feedback on your afternoon’s work, review key skills, get help with tough concepts, and build on your learning
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4 p.m.
|
End-of-Day Review and Debrief Meeting
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A chance to reflect and discuss the day as well as look to the days ahead.
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|
4:30 p.m.
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Dismissal
|
Dismissal for commuter students.
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|
5 p.m.
|
Dinner
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Dinner will be provided for those students with full room and board.
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|
6 p.m.
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Evening Activities (Group Recreation in our new Recreation and Wellness Center, Games, Guest Speakers, Independent and Group Enrichment Projects)
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The evening is reserved for overnight students to have fun, experience our on-campus amenities, and bond with each other and staff through organized group enrichment activities.
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|
10 p.m.
|
Quiet Time
|
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Weekend Programming and Excursions
In addition to the daily schedule listed above, our two-week programs offer organized trips and excursions during the weekends. Last summer, program attendees spent time in our local community while mini golfing, visiting the Mystic Aquarium and shopping in New Haven.
Field trips and weekend excursions may vary by program and session.
Participation Requirements
Participants must be current high school students. Typically, participants are between the ages of 15 to 18 years of age at the start of the program.
Equipment and Materials
Quinnipiac University will provide all necessary laptops or computers, software and other devices for students in this program. Students may bring their own devices for use outside of program instruction periods.
Program Costs
Option 1: 2-week overnight program from Sunday to Saturday. Includes full room and board as well as evening and weekend activities: $3,360
Option 2: 2-week on-campus commuter program from Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Includes lunch daily: $2,400
Both options offer:
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Two weeks of faculty-designed programs taught on-campus with educational support staff
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Technology and software support
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A Quinnipiac T-shirt
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A digital badge for use on social media, resumes or portfolios
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Access to special Quinnipiac Admissions events
How to Register for Summer Programs
We've recently launched a new application and registration system for summer programs, camps and courses. Each new student must create an account in order to access this system. If you already have an account and are a returning student, please sign in using your credentials from the main page. If you plan to attend multiple programs, please use the same account, although courses will need to be purchased individually.
Take the Next Step
Students must declare if they plan to attend for either the residential (overnight) experience or the commuter experience at the time of registration. We are currently offering a $100 discount for early bird registrants who register and pay in full before January 15, 2025.
Register and Pay: Early Bird Residential
Register and Pay: Early Bird Commuter
Minimum Required Deposits
If you are not paying in full at the time of registration, you must submit a non-refundable $250 deposit to reserve your spot for 30 days. Any student who places the non-refundable deposit must pay the full remaining cost of the program within 30 days from the date of deposit to be enrolled in the program.
Deposit Only: Residential
Deposit Only: Commuter
Payment Methods and Refund/Cancellation Policy
Discounts and Financial Aid
Partial financial support may be available for those who indicate the need for financial assistance in their online application. Financial support awards are based on a combination of financial need and academic merit.
We are pleased to offer a 15% discount on all summer camps and experiences to current Quinnipiac employees, Quinnipiac alumni and employees of our corporate partners. Please contact summerprograms@qu.edu to request your discount code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions among prospective students and families regarding our summer programs. If you can't find an answer to your question, please contact us and we'd be happy to chat.
Review all FAQ's
Accommodations
Quinnipiac University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act as an institution of higher education. Students who have a current IEP or 504 plan are encouraged to share any accommodations or modifications they may require in order to access the fundamentals of a QU summer program or camp they plan to attend.
Students requesting disability-based accommodations should indicate this within the application as well as email summerprograms@qu.edu about any and all specific accommodation needs.
Rules & Regulations
Read Quinnipiac University’s Summer Camp and Pre-College Program Policies
