So Much to Gain!
- In-demand AI and cybersecurity skills
- Real employer/mentor collaboration
- Earned credits and advancement
- Opportunities for first-gen students
CyberNext Scholars
The Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies @ Rhode Island College has been awarded a RSFY grant to launch CyberNext Scholars 2026, a statewide initiative advancing career pathways in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI). The program has two components: A paid internship in Cybersecurity or AI for RIC students and a 4-week fully-funded college course in Cybersecurity or Artificial Intelligence for high school juniors or seniors.
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Internship Details
The CyberNext Scholars Internship is a ~100 hour paid internship program running May 18–August 31. This opportunity, designed specifically for five students enrolled in RIC's Cybersecurity program and five students enrolled in RIC's Artificial Intelligence program, allows participants to work with employers in these two particular fields. Partnering employers include Citizens Bank, IBM Consulting, BugCrowd, REEL Vender Network, Rhode Island Computer Museum, APEX Technology Group, City of East Providence, and RI Elder Info.
Candidate Requirements
- 18–24 years old, in junior or senior year
- good academic standing with Rhode Island College
- reliable transportation – travel within RI may be involved
- ability to work 10–15 hours per week (in-person) from May 18–August 31
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Please Note: You do not need to be taking RIC summer courses to apply—students who completed the Spring 2026 semester in good standing and are registered for Fall 2026 are eligible.
Program Overview
The CyberNext Scholars Summer Academic Intensive is a fully funded, 4-week college course for high school juniors and seniors (ages 16–18), running July 6–July 31. Students will take a college-level course in Cybersecurity or Artificial Intelligence and earn four college credits upon completion of one of the following:
- CSCI 102: Computer Fundamentals for Cybersecurity – In this course, students prepare for success in the AI-driven economy by exploring the transformative power of AI and ethical challenges in business, from personalized customer experiences in healthcare and manufacturing to autonomous vehicles.
- CSCI 141: Application and Impact of Artificial Intelligence – In this course, students will learn the technical details necessary to study cyber security. Topics include binary and hexadecimal, operating systems, hardware and software, networking, memory, storage management and databases.
How Classes Will Run
The course will run for 4 weeks, with 2 weeks in-person at Rhode Island College (Monday–Friday from 9 am–4 pm) and 2 weeks online. In-person dates will be determined by the professor and students will be provided with lunch on these days.
Expected Time Commitment
Participants should expect to spend about 120 total hours on this course over the 4 weeks. This includes about 70 hours of in-person class time and 50 hours of homework, projects, and online work. This basically equates to 30 hours per week – a schedule similar to a part-time job.
How to Apply
Admission to this program will be very competitive, with only 20 spots available (10 in each course), so please make sure that your application, required essay, and letter of recommendation from your current teacher are thoughtfully prepared, polished, and clearly demonstrate your interest and potential in cybersecurity or artificial intelligence. Applicants with a foundational knowledge of computers, computing, networking, and cybersecurity principles will be given priority admission.
Application Requirements
- completed application to the program
- 500-word essay, double-spaced, using 12-point Times New Roman font, and 1” margins, addressing the prompt: What characteristics and interests, related to AI and Cybersecurity, do you have that would make you an excellent candidate for this opportunity?
- letter of recommendation from one of your current teachers
Questions? Contact Us
Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies
We are a regional center of excellence for cybersecurity. Our leading researchers and professionals are developing practical and policy approaches to the cybersecurity challenges facing businesses, non-profits and government.
- emailcyber@ric.edu
- placeAlger Hall