Build the Future: CACI CTF

Dive into real-world cybersecurity issues through mentored work experience while earning $25 an hour in CACI’s Fall 2026 project, part of CCI’s Project-Based Learning Program.

The project is part of CCI’s mission of Workforce Development.

About the Project

Tasks will include generating, documenting, and implementing a project plan to create and build a repository of approximately 30 challenges to be used for CACI CTF employee and outreach events.

CACI will provide account access, demonstrate the range, and create challenge categories.

The application link will be available when recruitment opens on April 6, 2026.

What You’ll Do

• Work on real-world cybersecurity scenarios/projects
• Enhance your soft skills
• Network with students, faculty, and CCI partners

What You’ll Get

• A stipend of $25 per hour 
• Mentorship by CACI experts
• Access to approved systems (e.g. VPN)
• Challenge and project outline
• Materials required to complete the tasks

Timeline

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the program, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Currently study at a Virginia public institution of higher education
• Be a rising junior (or third year)
• Be enrolled full-time through the fall 2026 semester
• Have declared their major in cyber or cyber-related field
  • Cybersecurity
  • Computer Science
  • Data Science
  • Engineering
  • Data Privacy
• Commit to staying in the program from Sep. 1 – Dec. 4, 2026
• Be enrolled in cyber or cyber-adjacent courses and demonstrate an interest in cybersecurity (e.g., does Hack the Box or other online CTF-style activities, has a home lab, cyber club, etc.)

Project Requirements

If selected for the program, you must:

• Work on a cybersecurity project starting Sep. 1, 2026
• Work on the program for a maximum of eight hours per week from Sep. 1 - Dec. 4, 2026
• Attend in-person and virtual mandatory meetings
  • Meet weekly with the CACI leads (the exact time to be coordinated between the students and CACI leads)
  • Meetings will be scheduled in advance and may be in person at the CACI HQ, located in Reston, VA, or via virtual meeting
• Schedule another 1 - 2 hours a week for group work that all students must agree to (the group work meeting will be determined with a student poll)
• Provide your own computer, laptop, etc.
• Inform your university/college advisor of project participation
• Provide CCI with advisor name, title, and email

Expectations

This is a professional opportunity, and you’re expected to conduct yourself in a manner befitting a professional environment.

You will be held accountable for attending meetings and actively participating in project-related tasks. Failure to meet these expectations could result in your dismissal and forfeiture of your stipend. You must:

• Attend 90 percent of mandatory meetings
• Participate in project-related tasks
• Resolve any attendance and participation issues

If you’re interested in seeing this program at your school or sponsoring such a program at your company, please contact Sarah Hayes at sshayes@vt.edu.