AFA 2026 Summer Cyber Camp
College of the Desert Information Technology Center
July 13–17, 2026

The Air & Space Forces Association Palm Springs Chapter is excited to welcome students back for our annual Summer Cyber Camp.

One of the shining gems of our chapter’s Cyber Education program, this is far more than a summer camp. It is a week of hands-on learning designed to introduce high school students from across the Coachella Valley to cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, teamwork, and the technology skills that will shape tomorrow’s workforce.

Students will receive instruction from College of the Desert faculty and cybersecurity professionals while participating in practical exercises and team competitions that mirror real-world cyber challenges.

Here’s what they’ll experience during the week:

Monday – July 13 (8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
The camp kicks off with California Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez, a Marine Corps veteran, who will discuss why technology knowledge has become a career superpower in today’s AI-driven world.

Tuesday – July 14 (9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
Students will explore Artificial Intelligence in Action with College of the Desert Professor Felix Marhuenda-Donateand CSU San Bernardino Cybersecurity 4.0 graduate Jose Ramirez, learning how to build and use their own personal AI models.

Wednesday – July 15 (9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
One of the week’s highlights will be a virtual presentation by U.S. Air Force Captain Lauren Puseman, a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and Cyber Operations Officer. A former La Quinta High School student and Summer Cyber Camp participant, Captain Puseman will share her journey from attending this very camp to serving in one of the Air Force’s critical cyber career fields. Her presentation will take place from 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Thursday – July 16 (9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
Students will present the AI projects they have developed during the week as Professor Marhuenda-Donate and Jose Ramirez return to review their work and discuss the results.

Friday – July 17 (9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.)
Graduation Day features team cyber competitions, awards, parents and families, and presentations by Indio High School Information Technology instructor Mark Brenner. Representatives from the offices of Congressmen Ken Calvert and Raul Ruiz will present Congressional Certificates to every camper before everyone celebrates with a well-earned pizza party.

Programs like our Summer Cyber Camp demonstrate the Air & Space Forces Association’s commitment to developing the next generation of cyber professionals and technology leaders. We look forward to another outstanding week of learning, teamwork, innovation, and discovery.