Applications open for “Hack. Learn. Protect.” cybersecurity programme for Latvian teens
Up to 300 Latvian teenagers aged 15 to 18 will take part in a hands-on cybersecurity programme from January to June 2027. Prospective instructors can apply until 30 November.
Applications have opened in Latvia for a new practical cybersecurity programme, “Uzlauz. Mācies. Aizsargā.” (Hack. Learn. Protect.), aimed at young people aged 15 to 18. Up to 300 participants from across the country will take part from January to June 2027. The programme is organised by the “Ilvesa Foundation”, established by digital policy and cybersecurity expert Ieva Ilvesa, in cooperation with the State Youth Guard Centre (Jaunsardzes centrs). It was announced during Patriot Week, and both teenagers and prospective instructors can now apply.
How the learning works
No prior knowledge of cybersecurity is required. Participants will start with the basics, complete missions built in a safe environment, receive support from instructors, earn points and compete in teams. The programme ends with a closing event.
The format is not a series of classroom lessons: tasks are solved online, with explanations and guidance available for each. Participants need a computer, internet access and about 4–5 hours per month. The training uses the “Bonfire” platform created by the Danish company “Campfire Security”, where learning is structured as a series of missions and challenges. In-person meetings, team challenges and final competitions are also planned.
The programme begins with cybersecurity ethics and principles of safe conduct. The organisers stress that the aim is not to teach illegal break-ins to other people's systems, and all tasks are carried out only in a designated environment.
Regional groups and a community for girls
The programme will operate in five regional groups: Vidzeme, Latgale, Zemgale, Kurzeme and Riga. Together with “Riga TechGirls”, a separate community for girls will also be created to encourage more of them to try a field where they remain under-represented. Girls will be able to choose either a regional group or the girls-only group.
Instructors
Until 30 November, computer science teachers, cybersecurity and IT professionals, graduates of the “KiberACS” programme, representatives of the Youth Guard Centre and other interested people are invited to apply as instructors. They will receive a stipend for completing training and supporting students across five thematic blocks.
The programme is financially supported by “Fonds AUGT”, mobile operator LMT, “Latvijas Finieris” and the Danish Cultural Institute. Riga Technical University is also involved. The “Ilvesa Foundation” was set up this spring to continue and expand the cybersecurity education work begun two years ago with the “KiberACS” project.
