Building Pathways in Cybersecurity: Fontana USD’s Summer Cyber Camp Prepares Students for Tomorrow’s Tech Careers
This June, 30 students from Fontana Unified School District participated in a dynamic, hands-on Cyber Summer Camp held at the InTech Center—an initiative designed to spark interest and build foundational skills in fast-growing sectors like cybersecurity, engineering, and transportation management.
The four-day camp, running June 16, 17, 18, and 20, was made possible through a collaborative partnership between Fontana Unified School District, Tomorrow’s Talent, California State University, San Bernardino, LAUNCH Apprenticeship Network, and Giveback. Together, these organizations brought industry insight, higher education opportunities, and work-based learning models to life for the next generation of digital leaders.
One of the camp’s standout features was the Incident Response course, where students were introduced to the phases of cyber incident response as defined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Through creative analogies, interactive discussions, and real-world simulations, students learned to think critically about cybersecurity threats from both offensive and defensive perspectives. The simulations allowed participants to collaborate, strategize, and apply concepts in a highly engaging environment.
The camp’s interdisciplinary model also gave students the opportunity to build on concepts taught in other sessions, reinforcing the interconnected nature of today’s tech careers. Instructors worked collaboratively, co-managing instruction and supporting one another to ensure students stayed engaged and challenged throughout the week.
The experience culminated in a spirited competition, where students applied their new skills to solve challenges, showcasing their growth and newfound confidence. Among the most inspiring outcomes was a student who entered the camp with little computer experience and left expressing excitement about pursuing a career in technology—proof of the transformational power of accessible, high-quality learning opportunities.
This camp exemplified the region’s commitment to expanding the cyber talent pipeline, and with Chaffey College now playing an increasingly active role in cybersecurity education, opportunities for continued growth and advancement are growing.
By bringing together educators, employers, and higher education partners, the Fontana Cyber Summer Camp offered more than just exposure—it gave students a launchpad into real futures in technology.
Together, we’re not just closing the skills gap—we’re opening doors.
