Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

Kutztown University presented the 2026 Chambliss Student Academic Achievement Awards to eight accomplished students Friday, April 24. Students who received awards were nominated by staff and faculty members for meeting one or more of the seven areas of achievement: successfully completed research projects, outstanding academic achievement, high-quality original artwork, high-quality artistic performances (music, chorus, drama, etc.), original writing in literature or meritorious writing in other fields, noteworthy achievements in athletics, and outstanding service to the KU community. The Academic Achievement Awards were established in 2004 through a donation provided by Dr. Carlson Chambliss, KU professor of astronomy from 1970-2003. The purpose of the awards is to recognize the exceptional individual achievements of a select group of KU graduating seniors. Specially designed coin medallions of gold, silver and copper were presented to the students. Freddie Retter - Gold Freddie Retter is from Quakertown, Pa. and is graduating in May with a degree in elementary education. He is awarded the Chambliss Academic Gold Medal for noteworthy achievements in athletics. Retter has been a dominant force on defense for a Kutztown University football team that has won three consecutive Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference championships and advanced to the NCAA Division II national semifinals in two of the last three seasons. In addition to numerous accolades on the gridiron, Retter is a two-time All-America wrestler and is one of KU's top academic student-athletes. Retter, a defensive lineman, is a two-time All-PSAC East First Team and All-Super Region 1 selection. He was voted 2024 PSAC East Defensive Athlete of the Year and D2CCA Super Region 1 Defensive Player of the Year. This past fall, he earned D2CCA All-America Second Team honors as the Golden Bears won a school record 14 games. In 39 career games, Retter totaled 114 tackles, 21 sacks and 29.5 tackles for loss. Following the 2024 football season, Retter joined the KU wrestling program for the 2025 spring semester. He went on qualify for the NCAA DII Championships at heavyweight, where he earned a fifth-place finish to capture All-America honors. This past season, Retter finished runner-up at the Super Region 1 Championships and captured his second straight All-America honor with another fifth-place effort at nationals. Retter was the 2024 PSAC Champion Scholar for football, an award presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative GPA at each of the conference's championship events. He's also a two-time College Sports Communicators Academic All-America First Team selection, three-time PSAC Scholar-Athlete, 2025 Academic All-PSAC honoree and two-time D2 ADA Academic Achievement award recipient. Peter Cadiz - Silver Peter Cadiz is from Reading, Pa. and is graduating in May with degrees in mathematics and data science. He is awarded the Chambliss Academic Silver Medal for successfully completed research project. Since 2024, Cadiz has collaborated with faculty to design and analyze complex experiments. His research resulted in two peer-reviewed publications in mathematics, including a highly selective international journal. Over a two-year period, Cadiz maintained weekly research meetings, continuing his work through summer and winter breaks. During the project, he implemented complex algorithms, performed statistical evaluations and developed hybrid heuristic-exact solution methods. Faculty mentors noted his work exceeded typical undergraduate expectations, demonstrating advanced dedication while managing a dual-degree course load. Cadiz plans to pursue graduate studies in operations research and applied mathematics. His future work will focus on developing innovative optimization solutions for both academic and industrial applications. Gabriella DeMarco - Silver Gabriella DeMarco is from Leesport, Pa. and is graduating in May with a degree in marine science with a concentration in oceanography and a minor in geology. She is awarded the Chambliss Academic Silver Medal for successfully completed research project. DeMarco has dedicated nearly four years to investigating 300,000 years of environmental history through her extensive research in coastal marine geology. She began her study of the Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve in Virginia in July 2022. Her research focuses on using sediment cores and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to track paleoenvironmental changes on the Southern Delmarva Peninsula. Through her analysis, she identified three distinct periods of ancient forestation, or paleosols, preserved between layers of marine and estuarine sediments. DeMarco has presented her findings at seven professional conferences, including meetings of the American Geophysical Union and the Geological Society of America. She has contributed to six published abstracts and successfully authored four Kutztown University Research Fund grant proposals to support her conference travel. In March, she delivered an oral presentation at the Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems in Pittsburgh, Pa. In addition to her research, DeMarco serves as a peer mentor, training new students in sediment coring, grain-size analysis and data interpretation. She is the vice president of the university's Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance chapter, a member of the women's rugby team and a student worker at the Women's Center. She also frequently volunteers for campus STEM outreach events, including Science Olympiad, Girls in STEM Symposium and the STEM Open House. Ava Esterly - Silver Ava Esterly is from Pottstown, Pa. and is graduating in May with a degree in environmental science with a concentration in Regenerative Organic Agriculture and a certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). She is awarded the Chambliss Academic Silver Medal for successfully completed research project. As an intern at both Farmer Jawn and the Rodale Institute, Esterly has helped design scalable techniques for 100-acre production systems and developed comprehensive economic reports comparing conventional and organic crop yields. Esterly's extensive research portfolio focuses on the mechanical and ecological drivers of soil health. She has spearheaded studies on the synergistic effects of biochar and compost on crop productivity, the isolation of mycorrhizal fungal spores, and the impacts of transitioning conventional farming systems to regenerative management. Her findings have been presented at the Ecological Society of America (ESA) national and mid-Atlantic conferences, as well as to the research department and executive leadership at the Rodale Institute. Her professional background bridges the gap between scientific inquiry and community engagement. Esterly was selected as the student speaker to announce a $1.5 million grant for Kutztown University's Regenerative Organic Agriculture program in 2024, and was a mentor and student team leader as an underclassman for the Regenerative Agriculture Living Laboratory. Her contributions have earned her several prestigious honors, including the Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement Scholarship. Erin Gonzalez - Silver Erin Gonzalez is from East Earl, Pa. and is graduating in May with a degree in business administration. She is awarded the Chambliss Academic Silver Medal for noteworthy achievements in athletics. Gonzalez enjoyed a standout career as a member of the Kutztown University field hockey team, leading the Golden Bears to the NCAA Division II Final Four each of the last three seasons, including a national championship in 2023 and national runner-up finish in 2024. Gonzalez was a three-time All-PSAC selection and two-time National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) All-American. In her final season with the Maroon and Gold this past fall, Gonzalez was voted PSAC Athlete of the Year, All-PSAC First Team, NFHCA All-Atlantic Region First Team and NFHCA All-America First Team. In 84 career games, Gonzalez had 47 goals, 18 assists, 112 points and 15 game-winning goals. She set new career-highs in all offensive categories in 2025, finishing with 17 goals, eight assists, five game-winning goals and 42 points in 22 games. Gonzalez ranks tied for seventh in program history in career goals scored. Brandon Hile - Copper Brandon Hile is from Winfield, Pa. and is graduating in May with a degree in criminal justice. He is awarded the Chambliss Academic Copper Medal for noteworthy achievements in athletics. Hile is a four-year letterwinner and three-year starter for the Golden Bear football team. He helped Kutztown to three consecutive Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference championships, two NCAA Division II Super Region 1 titles and a pair of national semifinals appearances. Hile is part of the winningest senior class in program history, as the Golden Bears totaled a 45-8 record between 2022-25, including a single season record 14 victories this past fall. In 47 career games, the linebacker amassed 196 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. During KU's record-setting 2025 season, Hile was voted PSAC East Defensive Athlete of the Year and received All-America honors from multiple organizations. He was an All-PSAC East and D2CCA All-Super Region 1 First Team choice before going on to be named AFCA All-America Second Team, D2CCA All-America Second Team, Associated Press All-America Second Team, Walter Camp Foundation All-America and Don Hansen Gazette Honorable Mention All-America and D2Football.com Elite 100. In addition to his on-field recognition, Hile received College Sports Communicators Academic All-America First Team and Academic All-PSAC honors this past fall. Deanna Leperi - Copper Deanna Leperi is from Easton, Pa. and graduated in December with a degree in general studies. She is awarded the Chambliss Academic Copper Medal for successfully completed research project. Leperi served as a lead undergraduate researcher since January 2025, contributing to laboratory operations and peer mentorship. Her technical work was featured at the joint international American Society for Cell Biology and European Molecular Biology Organization meeting in December. She is currently co-authoring a research paper for publication. Throughout her tenure, Leperi has worked exclusively as a volunteer, opting out of academic credit or stipends. In addition to her own research, she manages laboratory logistics and provides technical assistance to fellow student researchers. Mark-handy Phanor - Copper Mark-handy Phanor is from Philadelphia, Pa. and is graduating in May with a degree in political science and a certificate in paralegal studies. He is awarded the Chambliss Academic Copper Medal for outstanding service to the Kutztown University community. Phanor has been recognized for his leadership and commitment to student advocacy, highlighted by his service as a student representative on the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) Board of Governors, where he represents and advocates for more than 85,000 students at the state level. His work has included engaging with lawmakers and contributing to conversations on higher education affordability and access. In addition to his board service, Phanor has gained policy research experience through internships with 50 State and Benefits Data Trust, where he conducted multi-state legislative analysis and research on public benefits programs. On campus, he serves as a Presidential Ambassador and Honors Peer Mentor, supporting students academically and professionally, and has also contributed to university governance through his role on the Student Conduct Board. He previously served as a Junior Council Member for the Borough of West Reading, gaining experience in local government. His commitment to service and leadership earned him an APSCUF scholarship. Phanor's academic work is centered on his honors capstone project, which examines the implications of facial recognition technologies on privacy law and the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution. He has been developing this research since 2024 and received a grant from the Northeast Regional Honors Council to present his findings at its April 2026 conference.

Kutztown University women's swimming saw a quartet earn spots on the 2026 Division II College Sports Communicators Academic All-District team. The 2025-26 Academic All-District Men's and Women's Swimming & Diving Teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances in the pool and in the classroom. The CSC Academic All-America program separately recognizes honorees in four divisions - NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA. The four Golden Bears include Phoebe Armes (Somerset, UK/Millfield School), Jena LaTorres (Allentown, Pa./William Allen), Tatum Rothermel (Halifax, Pa./Halifax) and Camryn Sedora (Chester, Md./Kent Island). Armes is a sophomore geography major with a 3.91 GPA. LaTorres is a senior majoring in criminal justice and has a 3.56 GPA. Rothermel is a senior sport management major sporting a 3.85 GPA. Sedora is a junior psychology major with a 3.83 GPA. The Academic All-District Team is coordinated by the College Sports Communicators (CSC). For more information about the CSC's Academic All-District and Academic All-America Team program, visit AcademicAllAmerica.com.

Senior base/tumbler Sydney Jundt represented Kutztown University acrobatics and tumbling on the All-Mountain East Conference Second Team. The all-conference teams and major award winners were recently announced by the MEC office. Jundt picks up her second career all-conference nod after being selected All-MEC First Team in 2025. The Rochester Hills, Mich., native was a constant on the mat for the Golden Bears, competing in one or more heats in every event. She contributed to numerous season-high heat scores for Kutztown throughout the season. Jundt helped Kutztown qualify for the MEC semifinals in each of her two seasons with the program after transferring from Trine University. She was part of the Bears' victorious acro 6-element squad at the 2025 MEC Event Finals. Jundt is the first two-time all-conference selection for the Maroon and Gold. Kutztown joined the MEC as an associate member prior to the 2025 season after competing independently during its first three seasons (2022-24) of existence.

After the National Tenpin Coaches Association announced its All-Rookie Teams earlier Thursday, April 9, freshman phenom Madilyn Bogovic was recognized by the organization as the Division II Rookie of the Year and a Second Team All-American. Bogovic won the honors after leading all DII competition in baker double percentage (57.0 percent), strike percentage (54.6 percent), traditional frame average (21.1 pins) and baker frame average (21.25 pins). The DII honor is the top rookie recognition for a first-year bowler at the Division II level, while the All-American honor includes all of the nation's bowlers, regardless of division. Bogovic's individual accomplishments in her first collegiate season were only rivaled by the top bowlers on the nation's highest-ranked teams. The Player Composite Performance Index, a scale developed by the NTCA that combines both traditional and baker numbers while measuring fill, strike, and overall conversion rate, placed Bogovic 12th among all bowlers and tops among Division II or III counterparts. Her performance throughout the season kept the Golden Bears in the national rankings throughout the season and lifted the team to a 57-31 season and a third-place finish at the East Coast Conference Championships in late March. The Cedar Cliff High School Product becomes the seventh Kutztown kegler to achieve All-America status, which has now been reached for the 10th time overall and in back-to-back seasons for the third time in program history, following Chloe Sromovski's honorable mention recognition in 2025. Bogovic also becomes the third Kutztown bowler to earn Division II Rookie of the Year honors, after two other Golden Bear bowlers, Kayla Stamm (2008) and Kayla Jones (2009) collected the honor in back-to-back seasons nearly two decades ago. Bogovic is set to return to the Golden Bears squad next season with a core of young bowlers, including Kamryn Brenneman, a Second Team All-ECC selection this past season, and fellow ECC All-Rookie Team member Isabella Hopper. She will look to build on her efforts in the 2026-27 campaign as she sets her eyes on the possibility of becoming the Golden Bears' ninth All-American and picking up the honors for just the second time since 2014.

The Kutztown University athletics department recognized 48 student-athletes Tuesday, April 14, as a part of a new class of the Pennsylvania Alpha Omega Chapter of Chi Alpha Sigma in the National College Athlete Honor Society. The luncheon recognized those student-athletes who excel in both the classroom and competition. Chi Alpha Sigma was founded in 1996 by then DePauw University head football coach Nick Mourouzis. His goal was to provide outstanding student-athletes with an opportunity to become connected within a fraternal association that aligns their educational and athletic successes for a lifetime. In order to be inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma, a student-athlete must attend a four-year accredited college or university that is a member of the NCAA, NAIA, USCAA or NCCAA. The honoree also must achieve at least junior academic standing by the fifth semester or seventh quarter, as determined by the certifying institution, and must have achieved a minimum cumulative grade-point average of a 3.4 (on a 4.0 scale).

Kutztown University announced that 351 students will be part of the university's Honors Program in 2025-2026. The Honors Program at Kutztown University provides high-achieving students with opportunities to engage in scholarship, leadership and service. The program, which is undergraduate in nature and open to full-time students, is comprised of a minimum of 21 credits in Honors courses including a senior Honors capstone project. The 21 Honors credits count toward the students' minimum of 120 credits that are regularly required for graduation. Honors students select specially designed Honors courses, course-by-contracts, independent studies and internships to earn Honors credit. Students are also required to complete 30 hours of community service before graduation. Learn more at https://www.kutztown.edu/about-ku/administrative-offices/honors-program.html.

Kutztown University has conferred degrees for 414 students for the 2024 fall semester and 2025 winter session. Kutztown University announces degree conferment twice a year, once in the winter and once in the summer. Commencement exercises are held in May and December; however, students finish the requirements for graduation throughout the entire year. The cumulative grade point average necessary for honors distinction is: with honor (cum laude) 3.40; with high honor (magna cum laude) 3.60 and with highest honor (summa cum laude) 3.80. Students who have requested privacy (FERPA) are not listed publicly.

2,269 students have been named to the Fall 2025 Dean's List at Kutztown University. To be eligible for the Dean's List, an undergraduate student must be registered for at least 12 credits and have a minimum grade point average of 3.60.

Kutztown University has conferred degrees for nearly 1,200 students for the 2025 spring semester. Kutztown University announces degree conferment twice a year, once in the winter and once in the summer. Commencement exercises are held in May and December; however, students finish the requirements for graduation throughout the entire year. The following students have been awarded degrees following the 2024 spring semester. The cumulative grade point average necessary for honors distinction is: with honor (cum laude) 3.40; with high honor (magna cum laude) 3.60 and with highest honor (summa cum laude) 3.80. Students who have requested privacy (FERPA) are not listed publicly.

2,194 students have been named to the Spring 2025 Dean's List at Kutztown University. To be eligible for the Dean's List, an undergraduate student must be registered for at least 12 credits and have a minimum grade point average of 3.60.

Kutztown University is pleased to welcome the newest members of the Golden Bear family, including both new incoming freshmen and transfer students, for the upcoming 2025 fall semester.

Kutztown University is pleased to welcome the newest members of the Golden Bear family, including both new incoming freshmen and transfer students, for the upcoming 2024 fall semester.

Liquid, in partnership with Kutztown University, proudly announces the winners of the ninth annual Liquid Digital Marketing Award competition. This year's challenge, presented in collaboration with Insomnia Cookies, tasked student teams with developing innovative digital marketing campaigns to boost awareness and sales of the brand's Cookie'wich menu item. The winning team, comprising seniors Nicholas Bodon, a marketing major from Stroudsburg, Pa., Bridget Curtis, a marketing major from Warrington, Pa., Amanda Gravatt, a marketing major from Perkasie, Pa., Jacob Sopko, a marketing major from Emmaus, Pa., and Katelyn Stuhldreher, a marketing major from Bath, Pa., impressed the panel with their comprehensive strategy, creative execution and insightful analysis. Their campaign stood out for its originality and practical application, earning them the top honor and a monetary prize. "We're continually impressed by the creativity and professionalism these students bring to the table," said Emily Massaro, vice president of marketing at Liquid. "This competition not only showcases emerging talent but also strengthens our ongoing relationship with the university." Each year, Liquid partners with an exciting brand to serve as the "client" and present Kutztown University students with a real-world marketing challenge. Students first submit a written campaign plan, outlining goals, target audiences, campaign channels and measurement strategies. Three finalist teams, selected by university faculty, advance to the final round to present their campaigns to a panel of experts from Liquid and the client. This year's collaboration with Insomnia Cookies, a popular bakery chain known for serving warm, freshly baked cookies and ice cream late night, provided students with a unique opportunity to work on a campaign for a nationally recognized brand. Senior Lifecycle Marketing Manager Kelsey Tschoepe, representing Insomnia Cookies, served as a guest judge, offering valuable industry insights during the evaluation process. The Liquid Digital Marketing Award competition exemplifies the synergy between academia and industry, preparing students for successful careers in marketing and beyond. Liquid has an established relationship with Kutztown University. Led by CEO Jim Ludlow, member of KU's Council of Trustees, Liquid has many Kutztown University alumni among its team and Liquid's internship program has seen several Kutztown University students across all its departments. About Liquid Liquid is a marketing agency specializing in creative, digital marketing, and technology. Through our services, we work with motivated B2B and B2C organizations to deliver exceptional marketing and measure its impact while maneuvering through a constant sea of change.

Kutztown University student Jean Kiklikian Herrera (piano) was honored by the Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association as part of its performance and composition competition winners.

Two Kutztown University students earned the KU Undergraduate Research Series microcredentialing badge during Spring 2025. The badge is awarded to students who dedicate their time to learning about the transformational impact of undergraduate research to academic success and career readiness.

Congratulations to the seven Kutztown University students presenting their geological research success at the annual international Geological Society of America meeting in Pittsburgh, Pa. this week. - Dr. Adrienne Oakley, Gabriella DeMarco (Marine Sciences) and Hannah Cutshaw (Biology) studied sands and mud deposited in the Chesapeake Bay to characterize changes in the environment during the past 20,000 years (after the last ice age). - Dr. Ed Simpson and Alayna Rea (Environmental Sciences-Geology) described a preserved termite mound from the Jurassic dinosaur period. - Dr. Ed Simpson, Jaylin Calistro (Geography and Geology), Jamie Cook (Geology), Joshua Scherer (Geology), Garrett Rogers (Geology) and Dakota Pittinger (Geology) studied microscopic features that help future paleontologists interpret the fate of dinosaur eggs - distinguishing between the different characteristics of eggshells fossilized after immediate burial, delayed burial and transport in a stream before fossilization. These studies were conducted using the Fred and Martha Hafer Scanning Electron Microscope Lab. Dr. Kurt Friehauf helped when he could.

Kutztown University's Jazz Ensemble I has been honored by the DownBeat Magazine Student Music Awards with the Outstanding Performance Award in the category of Undergraduate Jazz Ensemble College Performance. The DownBeat Student Music Awards recognize the top jazz ensembles at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Nine judges evaluate the participating groups based on several performance criteria including overall sound, proper interpretation, improvisation, creativity, intonation, phrasing and dynamics. The honorees are selected from a competitive pool in which winners must demonstrate a distinct voice in addition to technical proficiency. The DownBeat Student Music Awards are considered the most prestigious awards in jazz education. Since its founding in 1976, hundreds of musicians, music educators and music industry professionals received their first international recognition as DownBeat Student Music Award winners. This is the 10th win for the KU Commercial Music program but the first for the Jazz Ensemble. Other winners in this category were Vanderbilt University and University of the Arts in Philadelphia.

Kutztown Universty students in the Department of Communication Design won awards at the 2022 Graphis New Talent Annual Showcase.

Kutztown University awarded its Unpaid Internship Scholarships to 10 students for this year. The Unpaid Internship Scholarship provides a student, who otherwise may not be able to complete an internship due to financial reasons, a scholarship to assist with financial needs (i.e., transportation, food). Students must have a 3.0 or higher GPA and submit an application, essay and a letter of recommendation.

Congratulations to Tammy Starner Wert M'23, executive assistant to the vice president of University Relations and Athletics, for being named the Assistant to the Provost for General Education. Tammy's new appointment will be effective Monday, Nov. 6. Tammy has served the division of University Relations and Athletics for more than eight years and has been with the university since 2007. She has been the lead point of contact for the Daily Brief and university operators, among other duties. Wert earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania.

The Kutztown University Marching Unit (KUMU), an energetic part of the campus community, provides music, marching and entertainment for all KU Golden Bears football games, select away games, marching band festivals/competitions, professional sporting events, parades and campus spirit building activities. Under the direction of professor Daniel Neuenschwander, KUMU has announced its 2023 roster.

Kutztown University and the Kutztown University Foundation have named 15 students as Presidential Ambassadors for the 2023-2024 school year. Founded in 1997, the Presidential Ambassadors is a Kutztown University student organization that works directly with the President's Office and the Kutztown University Foundation and Alumni Relations. The mission of the group is to support events that connect current students with alumni, faculty, staff and university friends, to act as ambassadors of the university and to create new traditions which enhance KU Pride. The Presidential Ambassadors' major fundraiser is the Tuition Sweepstakes. The winner of the sweepstakes is awarded one semester of in-state tuition to Kutztown University. Proceeds from the sweepstakes benefit ambassador programs and Kutztown University, including support of Dinner with Golden Bears, Grin and Bear It, Professional Headshots for KU Juniors and Senior, Love a Donor Week, Ladies Tea Scholarship, General Fund Scholarship, Play for Kay, Wounded Warrior 5k Race, campus and community wide events as well as many other events geared towards philanthropic efforts. The organization strives to build philanthropy and stewardship with the Kutztown University community. Learn more at https://www.kuf.org/alumni/kupa.

42 juniors and seniors at Kutztown University have completed a Career Success Certificate for the Spring 2023 semester. The Career Success Certificate is open to all juniors and seniors. Students gain a greater understanding of themselves, employer expectations, effective job search strategies, interviewing skills and the role of social media in the hiring process. They will also be better prepared to conduct the internship, job, or graduate school search.

Kutztown University has issued Career Exploration Certificates to 68 students for the 2023 spring semester. The Career Exploration Certificate is open to all freshmen and sophomore students. Students gain a greater understanding of themselves and the career development process. They will be better prepared to choose/confirm a major, research careers, gain related experience through informational interviewing and job shadowing experiences, and plan for a successful internship/professional job or graduate school search.

Six students from Kutztown University will attend The Washington Center's Academic Internship Program this summer, the most KU students in one session to date. The Washington Center is the largest and most established student internship program in Washington, D.C. Since its founding, The Washington Center helped more than 60,000 young people translate their college majors into career paths. KU students include: Elizabeth Kolb, Phoenixville, Pa. Olive Mulbah, East Lansdowne, Pa. Emily Prior, Fogelsville, Pa. Makayla Pfister, Schwenksville, Pa. Paula Guarderas, Pottstown, Pa. Lismeylin Feliz Medrano, Reading, Pa. The Washington Center's Academic Internship Program is composed of three components - internship, academic course and career readiness programming - each designed to help students translate their academic and professional interests into careers they love.

This spring, two students from Kutztown University participated in The Washington Center (TWC)'s first Cybersecurity Accelerator Program, including Adam Frederick, a sophomore, computer science major from Exeter, Pa.; and Delijah Joseph, a junior, information technology major from Mount Pocono, Pa. This program was designed to engage historically marginalized learners with career exploration, mentorship and networking in the fastest growing and rewarding field of cybersecurity. Thanks to scholarships provided by select states along with private donors, this program was available at no cost to students. Participants were invited to join The Cyber Guild for a digital Cyber Discovery Experience and to travel to Washington, D.C. for a Cybersecurity Bootcamp Weekend. As part of this weekend experience, students heard from representatives from The White House, United States Cyber Command, CISA (among others) and were able to network with over 35 employers. They also had the opportunity to tour the Verizon Tech and Policy Center and AWS Skills Center. See photos of the bootcamp here. Through this program, many participants were also selected for a virtual micro-internship by a cybersecurity employer, where they received a financial stipend, worked with an employer supervisor and gained access to Teach to Work trained project-based mentorship. About The Washington Center The Washington Center is the largest and most established student internship program in Washington, D.C. Since our founding, we've helped more than 60,000 young people translate their college majors into career paths. We use our scale and expertise to customize each student's experience to be truly transformative. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn.