Student Cybersecurity Activities
Students at Vaughn College engage in cybersecurity learning and enrichment through a variety of curricular and co-curricular activities that emphasize hands-on experience, problem-solving and real-world application. These activities reinforce cybersecurity concepts introduced in the classroom while providing opportunities for practical skill development and professional growth.
Student Cybersecurity Engagement:
- Course-based projects and laboratory experiences that integrate cybersecurity concepts into engineering and computing coursework
- Summer academies and outreach programs that introduce cybersecurity principles to current and precollege students
- Cybersecurity challenges and competitions that encourage teamwork, critical thinking and applied problem-solving
- Hands-on workshops and applied learning activities that expose students to tools, techniques and scenarios relevant to modern cybersecurity practice
Through these activities, students gain experience applying cybersecurity concepts in structured academic settings as well as exploratory and competitive environments.
Student Cybersecurity Activities
Vaughn College students actively participate in cybersecurity competitions, conferences, applied research, and professional development initiatives.
Cybersecurity & Computer Engineering Student Engagement
Students in the Computer Engineering program participate in:
- Regional and national cybersecurity competitions
- Cyber defense simulations
- Secure systems design projects
- Industry internships in cybersecurity-related roles
Featured Student Program: Computer Engineering Summer Academy
The Computer Engineering Summer Academy provides students with immersive, hands-on experiences in computing and cybersecurity-related topics. Participants engage in guided projects, laboratory activities and collaborative learning experiences that promote cybersecurity awareness, foundational technical skills and interest in cybersecurity and engineering careers.
Cisco NetAcad Cybersecurity Learn-A-Thon (Americas 2026)
Vaughn College students are invited to participate in the Cisco Networking Academy Cybersecurity Learn-A-Thon Americas 2026, a regional initiative designed to expand cybersecurity awareness and hands-on skills across the Americas.
Through this program, students can complete guided training modules in cybersecurity fundamentals, threat detection and network defense using Cisco Networking Academy learning platforms. The Learn-A-Thon provides an opportunity for students to strengthen their cybersecurity knowledge while engaging in a broader learning community.
Participation in initiatives such as the Cisco NetAcad Learn-A-Thon supports the mission of the Vaughn College Cybersecurity and Cyber Defense Center, which promotes cybersecurity education, workforce development and student engagement in cyber defense activities.
Learn more and participate in the Cisco NetAcad Learn-A-Thon.
Conference Participation
Students and faculty presented and attended the 2025 LACCEI Conference, showcasing applied research and cybersecurity-related engineering work.
Vaughn Students Present Papers at LACCEI 2025 International Conference.
View the article in the Vaughn magazine here.
Student Achievements
Industry Placement
Joshua Waithe ’25, a Computer Engineering graduate, secured employment in a cybersecurity-related role following graduation, reflecting the applied and workforce-aligned nature of the program.
“Vaughn College set me up for the future through opportunities for conference attendance and internships which helped me secure my current job as a cybersecurity engineer at Qualcomm.”
Check out this video of Joshua’s story.
The Cybersecurity Job Market is Evolving – Here’s What You Need to Know to Land a Job