2024 Michigan Governor’s High School Cyber Challenge

Round 1 | Gamified Introduction to Cyber!

Cybersecurity professionals are essential in every industry. Engaging with a gamified learning platform sets you on a path toward cyber!
Please register your interest in participating today and receive an invitation email on August 1st when we open the Round 1 competition space.

Round 1 begins on August 1, 2025.
Students or guardians of students younger than 16 must complete the registration form to participate in this year’s Governor’s Challenge.
Those who register will receive a confirmation email with instructions on what to expect and how to access the competition platform.
Round 1 is a progressive, gamified cybersecurity learning platform with a friendly onboarding curve for newcomers.
Students will have access to play all the challenges until Monday, Sept. 8, 2025.
Students are encouraged to solve as many challenges as possible before the deadline to win a spot at the in-person SANS Core NetWars at the Michigan Cyber Summit in Novi, MI.
Students in Michigan who are: home-schooled, part of an after-school program, youth development, or apprentice programs are also encouraged to register.

Round 2 – In-Person Cyber Championship

Up to 40 top performers from Round 1 will be invited to participate in this invite-only, championship event!
SANS Core NetWars is an exclusive in-person cybersecurity showdown that tests skills and provides unique hands-on learning.
Teams will face off in a championship-style competition and prove elite skills against the best in Michigan.
Real-world scenarios across network security, pen testing, forensics, and incident response.
The ultimate cybersecurity mastery challenge powered by the SANS Core NetWars platform.

Eligibility Criteria

All Michigan high school students are invited to register for round 1, an online gamified cybersecurity competition.
Challenges begin in August 2025 after summer break. Participants will receive an invitation with details.
Students must have an interest in cybersecurity and access to a computer.
Any student under the age of 16 must have a parent or legal guardian register their interest in the gamified Round 1.
This competition is for students only. Teachers and chaperones should not register to play. If you are supporting students, please register only as a chaperone to avoid taking up a student spot in Round 1.
Participation in the Round 2 Championship will require students to be accompanied by at least one chaperone from their school or a school district approved by the school.