By Bonnie Wannett
August 16, 2018

Summer was a bustling time for many students at Chantilly Academy.  CyberPatriot (Cyber Security) camp and the first ever, Girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) were a huge success.  Both camps were generously sponsored by Northrop Grumman and were full of interactive, fun, and project-based learning opportunities.  

CyberPatriot Cyber Security Camp was filled with over 80 students from more than 15 middle and high schools in Fairfax County Public Schools.  Instruction was provided by Chantilly Academy instructors and previous students that have graduated.  Additionally, instruction was highly enhanced by industry cyber security experts from Northrop Grumman.  The core curriculum and program design for this camp is from the Air Force Association CyberCamp Program and culminated with an exciting mock cyber competition. 

The first-ever Girls in STEM Camp was a huge success with over 40 elementary and middle school girls. The camp provided girls with an opportunity to experience the fascinating world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). For girls new to STEM, the camp provided a fun way to explore unfamiliar subjects — potentially discovering new areas of interest. For girls already interested in STEM, the camp was able to build upon an existing interest or knowledge. We hope that the camp encourages and inspires the next generation of female STEM professionals.  The campers benefited from Chantilly High School's Girls in STEM club members as mentors for the week.  The week ended on a high-note as Northrop Grumman generously provided staff and materials to host a STEM fair full of interactive activities for the girls to participate in.