LLCipher

Students in LLCipher attend lectures in abstract algebra and number theory to understand cryptography-based concepts.

What is the LLCipher program?

The Lincoln Laboratory Cipher program is a summer workshop providing an introduction to theoretical cryptography. This summer STEM program is a FREE one-week enrichment class for high-school students who are interested in mathematics or cyber security. In 2026, the workshop will be held August 3 - 7.

What will participants do?

Students will learn how to build a secure encryption scheme and digital signature. Time permitting, they will also study some more recent developments in cryptography, like homomorphic encryption and multi-party computation, both of which enable computation over secret data without revealing the data. The class has no official pre-requisites, although we will cover some abstract algebra, number theory, and complexity theory, upon which much of theoretical cryptography is built.

Where is it held?

LLCipher 2025 is an in-person workshop taught by MIT Lincoln Laboratory technical staff at the MIT Beaver Works location.  Please be advised that this is a non-residential program and that students will be required to furnish their own housing and transportation to and from the workshop location.

What is the cost?

Cost to participate in LLCipher is free.

Persons from underrepresented groups including, but not limited to, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Alaskan Natives, Pacific Islanders, women, persons with disabilities, and persons from disadvantaged backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

This program is open to:

• U.S. citizens and permanent residents
• High-school students interested in mathematics or cyber security

Important dates for 2026 class

Questions?

Contact [email protected] and refer to the LLCipher program