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2024 Michigan Governor’s High School Cyber Challenge

This summer, all Michigan high school students are invited to participate in a series of challenges designed to test their knowledge of cybersecurity, computer science, and information technology. These challenges are entirely FREE! The only requirements are an interest in cybersecurity and access to a computer.
Round 1Round 2Teachers Contact UsEligibilityKey Dates
Try Hack Me

Round 1 | Gamified Introduction to Cyber!

Submit your interest in participating today and receive a notification email on June 1 when we open the registration window.

  • Cybersecurity professionals are essential in every industry. Gamified learning with TryHackMe sets you on a path toward cyber!
  • Enrollment is open all summer!
  • Students or guardians must complete the enrollment form to participate in this year’s Governor’s Challenge
  • Those who enroll and are eligible will receive a confirmation email from our team letting them know they’ve been added into the competition on TryHackMe.
  • All students welcome: Progressive, gamified cybersecurity learning platform with a friendly onboarding curve for newcomers.
  • Students will have access to play all the challenges until Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024.
  • Students are encouraged to solve as many challenges as possible before the deadline to win a spot at the in-person SANS Core NetWars at the Michigan Cyber Summit in Novi, MI.
  • Home-schooled students, afterschool programs, as well as youth development and apprentice program participants are also encouraged to apply.
SANS Netwars

Round 2 | In-person cyber tournament championship in Novi, MI

  • Top 10 performing schools from Round 1 will have teams invited to participate in this invite-only, championship event! The winning team in round two will have the opportunity to take one free SANS course depending on skill level.

  • SANS Core NetWars is an exclusive in-person cybersecurity showdown that tests skills and provides unique hands-on learning.
  • Teams will face off in a championship-style competition and prove elite skills against the best in Michigan.
  • Real-world scenarios across network security, pen testing, forensics, and incident response.
  • The ultimate cybersecurity mastery challenge powered by the SANS Core NetWars platform.

Teachers - Round 2 Confirmation

If you have been designated as the teacher chaperone for students invited to Round 2 of the Michigan Governor's High School Cyber Challenge, we kindly request that you complete the following form.
Contact Us
Students

Eligibility Criteria

  • All Michigan high school students are invited to enroll for round one on TryHackMe.
  • Must be interested in cybersecurity and have computer access.
  • Participation in round two will require accompaniment by a member of the school staff as a coach / chaperone.

Key Dates

June 1, 2024, registration for Round One opens!
Sept. 25, 2024, Round One points deadline.
Oct 16, 2024, Round Two event at the Michigan Cyber Summit

Check Out the 2023 Governor’s High School Cyber Challenge Winners

Salem High School
1st Place | Salem High School
Taking first place in NetWars were Neil Kuma, Jayden Sarveshkumar, and Jiwon Lim from Canton’s Salem High School, with coach Scott Obsniuk.
Kalamazoo Area Mathematics and Science Center
2nd Place | Kalamazoo Area Mathematics and Science Center
Second place went to David Shen, Jason Shaye, and Aryaman Mishra from Kalamazoo Area Mathematics and Science Center, with coach Diane Schear.
Newaygo County Career-Tech Center Winners
3rd Place | Newaygo County Career-Tech Center
Taking third place were Lane Nelson, Noah Pell, and Brian Zerlaut from Newaygo County Career-Tech Center in Fremont, with coach Jason Baldus.
SANS

SANS

Mi Cybersecurity Summit

Michigan Cybersecurity Summit

Try Hack Me

TryHackMe

Gov Tech

Government Technology

DTMB

Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget