STEM

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.

“Glimpse Into What’s Possible”

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Palm Springs Desert Sun Newspaper November 29, 2024…

“La Quinta High School’s instructional technology teacher has earned statewide honors, thanks to a nomination from the Palm Springs Chapter of the Air & Spaces Forces Association, for inspiring students with a “glimpse into what’s possible.”

“When Frank Ceja began teaching at La Quinta High School in November 2019, his students were initially reluctant to embrace him. For those enrolled in the information and communications technology pathway, Ceja was one of several teachers who came and went over the span of a few years.”

“They hated my guts,” he said with a laugh.”

“Born and raised in the Coachella Valley, Ceja had no plans to leave, so he got to work — with a focus on first creating an uplifting environment.”

“Once that was in place, everything else would follow,” Ceja said. “I think I’ve done that, and I think the kids trust me and know I have their best interests at heart. But it also requires patience.”

“Five years later, the instructional technology teacher was named the 2024 California Teacher of the Year by the Air & Space Forces Association.”

“AFA’s Teacher of the Year program honors STEM educators who go above and beyond in fostering student achievement and excellence in teaching.”

“Ceja’s dedication to his students and commitment to advancing cyber education embodies the values this award stands for,” said Jim McFarlin, president of AFA Palm Springs, who sponsored Ceja for the award, in a press release.”

“While Ceja shared his gratitude for the award, he stressed that it wasn’t just about him.”

“I think this whole Teacher of the Year thing was also good for (the students). One of my students came up to me and said, ‘You know, Mr. C, I am so proud of you. I’m proud to be your student. I’m proud you’re my teacher,'” Ceja said. “And when does that happen where the kid tells you that? And so, that kind of choked me up a little bit.”

“His classroom is a constant hub of student activity, with a steady flow of students before school, during lunch and after school. In those moments, Ceja said he takes pride in seeing his students gradually build their confidence, step outside of their comfort zone and forge meaningful connections with their peers.”

“The program is finally where he wants it to be.”