BlackGirlsHack, the community-driven organization dedicated to increasing representation and access in cybersecurity, today announced that SquadCon 2026 will take a new form.

Rather than hosting its annual in-person conference during Hacker Summer Camp this August, BlackGirlsHack is launching the Squad Support Edition, a four-pronged initiative designed to meet community members exactly where they are and remove the barriers that keep talented people on the sidelines.

"This year, SquadCon isn't taking the stage; we're putting the resources directly in your hands," said Rebekah Skeete, CEO of BlackGirlsHack. "In order to unlock access, we're handing out the keys."

Squad Support Edition includes:

• Squad Support Scholarships providing wrap-around financial assistance to BlackGirlsHack members facing unemployment or underemployment. Our financial assistance isn’t “one-size-fits-all.” Whether it's lodging for a Hacker Summer Camp event, a certification exam, study materials, or another pressing financial need, BlackGirlsHack is committed to bridging the gap between a member and their next opportunity.
• A free virtual event August 4th-5th open to anyone, anywhere, featuring a Capture the Flag (CTF) competition, hands-on technical workshops, and a workforce development job fair, giving attendees, regardless of location, an opportunity to build new skills, demonstrate competencies, and connect directly with employers.
• An Onsite Pool Party August 6th providing BlackGirlsHack community members and allies with a dedicated space to rest, relax, connect, and network during one of the most intense weeks in cybersecurity. This event will return to the Sahara Hotel and Casino August 6, 2026.
• A Recruiting & Career Positioning Session led by BlackGirlsHack's newest advisor, a seasoned tech recruitment insider. This session pulls back the curtain on how recruiters and hiring managers really think and how engineers can show up authentically and strategically. Drawing from real stories and hard-won insight from both sides of the hiring table, attendees will leave knowing exactly how to make their outreach impossible to ignore.

Our Goal: 100 People Certified.
The Ask: $10,000, Plus a Scholarship Fund to Meet Members Where They Are.

BlackGirlsHack has set an ambitious target for the virtual programming, 100 community members certified by the end of the initiative. To get there, the organization is seeking $10,000 in sponsor support to cover exam vouchers, study materials, and program costs.

Alongside that goal, BlackGirlsHack is also building out its Squad Support Scholarship Fund to provide wraparound financial assistance, covering everything from lodging and certification exams to bills, books, and other pressing needs, for members navigating unemployment or underemployment. Organizations interested in sponsoring the scholarship fund directly can specify their intent when reaching out (see "How to Sponsor" below).

Every dollar goes directly toward closing the gap between talent and opportunity in cybersecurity.

How to Sponsor

Organizations and individuals who believe in building a more inclusive cybersecurity pipeline are invited to invest in the Squad Support Edition.

• Donate online: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/peer-to-peer/bgh-foundation-donations
• Sponsorship inquiries: sponsorus@blackgirlshack.org
• Learn more: blackgirlshack.org/events

Sponsorship tiers and recognition opportunities are available. Contact us to discuss how your organization can be part of getting 100 people certified.

About BlackGirlsHack

BlackGirlsHack is a community-centered organization dedicated to creating access, opportunity, and belonging in cybersecurity for Black women and underrepresented communities. Through events, education, and grassroots support, BlackGirlsHack is building the next generation of cybersecurity talent, one squad member at a time.

Stay updated and join the conversation on X.com/Twitter at @_SquadCon with the hashtag #SquadCon2026. For sponsorship or event inquiries, contact Rebekah Skeete, Chief Executive Officer, at official@blackgirlshack.org or (817) 443-1157. For media opportunities, contact Madison Alexander PR.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260720721730/en/

"This year, SquadCon isn't taking the stage — we're putting the resources directly in your hands. In order to unlock access, we're handing out the keys." — Rebekah Skeete, CEO, BlackGirlsHack