Girls Learn Cryptography

About the Program

Interested in mathematics? Want to explore more advanced topics in a fun, hands-on environment? Girls Learn Cryptology is an in-person four-day program (June 24-27, 2025) where students will research different cryptographic methods (including RSA encryption and those related to quantum computing), do hands-on exploratory STEM projects, and tour research facilities at Penn State's University Park campus! The program is available to rising 9th through 12th graders. While this camp places emphasis on encouraging high school girls, anyone who enjoys math or wants to learn more about the different types of mathematics that exist beyond the high school curriculum is encouraged to apply! Financial aid and scholarships are available.

Interested applicants will need to complete a short application that can be found here: https://forms.office.com/r/9CYq1JyC0T

Applications are due on May 15th, 2025. Applicants who are accepted into the camp will be contacted and provided additional information to complete the registration process. Please contact us at sciencecamps@science.psu.edu with any questions or if you would like to receive the application information via email. Housing is not included in this camp.

Details

Dates: June 24-27 (four day camp)

Price: $335

Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Location: University Park

Grades: Students entering grades 9-12 in Fall 2025

Lunch and Snacks: Activity breaks will be taken each day to allow kids to eat their peanut-free snacks that they bring from home. Campers will eat lunch in the dining commons each day.

Additional information:

During this four-day program the students will work in groups on challenging problem sets that they would not be exposed to in high school. The problems will focus on different cryptographic methods and the underlying math, including RSA Encryption Cryptography and cryptographic schemes that are believed to be secure in the presence of quantum computers. They will discuss their progress with other campers during the week and present a summary of their findings at the end of the week. They will also research a female (or other minority) mathematician, do hands-on exploratory STEM projects, play math-motivated games, meet invited speakers, and tour some of the research facilities at Penn State.

Note: This program welcomes all participants regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status. In particular, we encourage individuals, regardless of gender, gender expression, gender identity, and sex, to participate in this program.

Questions?

Office of Science Outreach, 201 Ritenour Building, University Park, PA 16802

For more information, please see Information for Parents from the Penn State Office of Ethics and Compliance.