Help Change Lives - Sponsor a Chicago Community College Student for Hacker Summer Camp 2026!

City Colleges of Chicago’s Cybersecurity Career Accelerator (CCA) is raising funds to send passionate, non-traditional students to Hacker Summer Camp 2026.

This experience gives students their first real step into cybersecurity through hands-on learning, real-world exposure, and direct connections with industry professionals.

Students accepted into CCA have already completed intensive cybersecurity training and are ready to launch their careers. Many come from underrepresented and underserved communities, and this opportunity can be truly life-changing—not just for them, but for their families as well. We’ve seen how a cybersecurity career can help break cycles of generational poverty and create long-term stability.

A $1,000 sponsorship covers airfare and hotel for DEF CON. Through our partnership with the Black Hat Conference Associate Program, all other major expenses are covered—including conference access, meals, lodging, and DEF CON entry.

CCA is open to everyone, regardless of background. As a program rooted in Chicago’s community college system, it naturally attracts students with diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and strong potential.

Your support empowers students to:

Build meaningful connections with industry professionals
Learn directly from leading cybersecurity experts
Showcase their skills to potential employers
Enter a field with real upward mobility and impact

Our goal is to sponsor 10 students for 2026, and every contribution moves us closer.

Together, we’re not just launching careers—we’re changing lives.

✨ Thank you for your support. It matters more than you think! ✨

DONATE ONLINE

Click the DONATE NOW button above to contribute by card or PayPal.

DONATE BY CHECK

Please make checks payable to the CITY COLLEGES OF CHICAGO FOUNDATION and add to the memo: CCC Cybersecurity Career Accelerator

Prior to sending a check contribution or donation please notify, Anthony Scaccia, Manager of Operations at the CCC Foundation, HERE if you have not done so already in order to ensure proper processing.

Please enclose a letter delineating the purpose of your donation or contribution as required by our auditors. This may also be sent via email ahead of a mailed check.

Mail checks and documentation to:

City Colleges of Chicago Foundation
c/o Anthony Scaccia, Manager of Operations
180 N Wabash, Suite 200
Chicago, IL 60601

CCC CYBERSECURITY CAREER ACCELERATOR (CCA)