Cybersecurity

July 20-30, 2026 Rose Hill

Non-Credit Course

This program introduces students to the fundamental concepts of cybersecurity and digital safety through hands-on activities, case studies, and real-world scenarios. Students will explore how to protect personal data, understand the basics of networks and systems security, and examine the ethical responsibilities of digital citizens. By the end of the course, participants will have gained both practical technical skills and a critical awareness of the cybersecurity challenges facing individuals and organizations today.

Skills/Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

  • Identify and apply basic cybersecurity principles, including password hygiene, phishing awareness, and safe browsing practices.
  • Explain common cyber threats (e.g., malware, ransomware, phishing, social engineering) and demonstrate strategies for prevention and mitigation.
  • Understand the structure of networks and how firewalls, encryption, and authentication protect data.
  • Analyze ethical considerations in cybersecurity, including privacy, digital citizenship, and responsible online behavior.
  • Apply problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to simulated cybersecurity challenges and case studies.

Instructor Bio

Maria Chano is an AI and cybersecurity strategist supporting the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) through her current role as a federal contractor with ICF. A former federal employee with CISA, she brings government and industry experience, focusing on integrating artificial intelligence into national cybersecurity efforts. A proud Fordham University alumna, Chano earned a Master’s in Cybersecurity and an Advanced Certificate in Data Science for Cybersecurity, along with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning certifications from UT Austin and UC Berkeley.  As an assistant director at Fordham Center for Cybersecurity & AI, she taught AI for Cybersecurity courses to students and faculty at Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) and high school learners, focusing on accessibility and workforce development. Chano’s work spans AI-powered threat detection, blockchain fraud analysis, secure software development, and ethical hacking using large language models. She is also dedicated to inclusive cybersecurity education, developing learning pathways for underrepresented communities and K–12 students.

Course Schedule

Day 1: Introduction to Cybersecurity

  • What is cybersecurity? Why does it matter?
  • Cyber threats in everyday life
  • Guest Speaker: IT Security Professional

Day 2: Online Safety & Social Engineering

  • Phishing, scams, and social media safety
  • Hands-on activity: Spot the scam

Day 3: Networks & Systems

  • How the internet works (basic networking concepts)
  • Firewalls, authentication, and encryption basics

Day 4: Cyber Threats & Defenses

  • Malware, ransomware, viruses
  • Activity: Build a simple defense strategy

Day 5: Ethics & Careers in Cybersecurity

  • Privacy, ethics, and digital citizenship
  • Career exploration and pathways
  • Site Visit: Local cybersecurity firm, university cyber lab, or IT department tour

Course Details

Cybersecurity
July 20-30, 2026, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Rose Hill Campus
Instructor: Maria Chano

Course Number: SULA 0181 RT3
CRN: 17079

This non-credit course is open to high school students only.

Tuition

Residential: $4,332.00
Tuition for the residential program includes the course, course materials, housing, meals, and excursions in and outside of class. Move-in is Sunday afternoon, the day before classes begin. Please click here for a more detailed calendar of important dates.

Commuter: $3,125.00
Tuition for commuters includes the course, course materials, lunches, and excursions in and outside of class. Additional meals are available on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Students may wish to bring funds for incidentals, shopping at the Fordham Bookstore, souvenirs, and any personal items they wish to purchase.

Apply

Application deadlines:

Course and housing: The deadlines for 2027 will be posted by December 2026. Please note that admission decisions are rolling until the class is full, and course caps are around 20 students. The deadline to be considered for a limited number of need-based discounts for 2027 will be posted by December 2026. We recommend early application.

Application Requirements: this non-credit course is open to high school students who have completed their first year. The course is recommended for those with a 3.0 or better. No prior experience with the subject matter is required.

To apply, you will need a copy of your high school transcript and your fall report card if the grades are not reflected on your transcript.

Please make note of the course details above because you will select your course as part of your application.

There is a $75 fee to apply and a $300 deposit to secure your seat. Housing requires a $50 deposit. All payments will be treated as deposits toward your final bill.

Apply

If you are not ready to apply, you can sign up to stay informed about the Fordham Summer Leaders Academy too, or email us with questions!

Immersion 3 Resident Move-In/Move-Out

The below chart reflects dates for Summer 2026. Updated dates for 2027 will be available by December 2026.

Date  Resident Information
June 26 All medical forms and consents due
July 19 Move-in between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., all Immersion 2 students 
July 25 Move-out between 6 and 9 p.m., Immersion 2 One-Week students
July 31 Move-out before 10 a.m., Immersion 2 Two-Week students

Courses by Subject Area

  • The courses below reflect our offerings for Summer 2026. Our 2027 offerings will be available by December 2026.

  • The courses below reflect our offerings for Summer 2026. Our 2027 offerings will be available by December 2026.

  • The courses below reflect our offerings for Summer 2026. Our 2027 offerings will be available by December 2026.

    • Community Consulting for Young Changemakers (June 22-26)
    • Law and Argument in the U.S. (July 20-30)
    • Lead Like Ignatius: Civic Service and Public Speaking (June 22-26, July 20-24)
    • Your Journey to the Bar: Fordham’s Pre-Law Intensive (July 6-16)

  • The courses below reflect our offerings for Summer 2026. Our 2027 offerings will be available by December 2026.