Cyber Defense

AFA 2026 Summer Cyber Camp Schedule

/ Ian L. Sitren / 3 Comments

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.

Why Is AFA Palm Springs Investing in Cyber Education?

/ Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

Many AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134 members have asked, “Why are we expending resources on a topic that seems removed from airpower?”

The answer lies in the vision of Gen. H.H. “Hap” Arnold, who recognized that airpower requires a technologically literate force. That requirement is even more critical today, as technology now fundamentally shapes how we work, live, learn, communicate, and conduct modern warfare.

To maintain our status as the world’s dominant military power, we must cultivate cyber proficient professionals capable of navigating an era defined by AI driven drones, sophisticated cyberattacks, and advanced weapons systems.

We cannot wait until students enter the U.S. Air Force to build these skills. Through our chapter’s support for CyberPatriot teams, summer cyber camps, and industry field trips, we are helping students develop essential cyber technology expertise early.

Our vision is to build a sustainable pipeline of 100 to 150 students from middle school through college. By preparing them to enter the workforce, we are helping address the national shortage of more than 460,000 cybersecurity jobs across industry, government, and the military. That is a vital contribution to our national security.

At the same time, we are introducing the Air & Space Forces Association to organizations throughout the Coachella Valley that previously had little understanding of who we are or what we do. Our recent award of a $20,000 Cyber Education Grant from the Anderson Children’s Foundation is clear recognition of the value and importance of these efforts to our community.

In future posts, we will explore the origins of our chapter’s cyber education program, its expansion into a Coachella Valley wide initiative, and how our programs help transform local students into technology proficient teams. We will also discuss how you, as an AFA member, can play a role in this important mission. Thank You!

About the Author

James (Jim) McFarlin is President of the Air & Space Forces Association Palm Springs Chapter 134. He leads the chapter’s growing Cyber Education initiative, working with schools, industry, and community partners throughout the Coachella Valley to develop the next generation of cyber professionals and strengthen America’s future workforce.

Contact: mcfarlin.jim@gmail.com