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.

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) or rising senior (or fourth 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 12 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.