The Next Generation: OSINT Academy

Norwich University hosted their week-long OSINT immersive summer program (OSINT@NU) for high school students entering grades 10 through the first year of college. The week provided participants with an early-career deep dive into intelligence analysis. 

The OSINT@NU Academy program is one of the only Open-Source INTelligence (OSINT) specific programs hosted for high schoolers in the nation. Participants learned about real-world OSINT analyst techniques, tools, and procedures (TTPs) through hands-on training in intelligence collection and analysis. They met with real-world practitioners to see how different sectors generate and use intelligence every day. They took part in hands-on exercises to apply the techniques they learned immediately. The OSINT@NU Academy does not just teach tools; participants develop their critical thinking skills by gathering, evaluating, and synthesizing open-source information into actionable intelligence.

This year’s third annual OSINT Academy took place from Sunday, July 12, 2026, to Friday, July 17, 2026, with 17 students from all over the country. Some of the topics covered this year included learning fundamentals of OSINT, analyzing the difference between information and intelligence, OSINT in law enforcement, OSINT in the military, verifying sources, distinguishing disinformation, identifying malign influence, studying techniques for turning disparate open-source data into coherent intelligence, geospatial intelligence, the impact of drones on intelligence collection, and applying modern investigative tools.

Guest speakers throughout the week included Detective Daniel Withrow from the Berlin Police Department and Staff Sergeant Logan Potskowski from the Vermont Army National Guard/3-124th IO BN. Participants also traveled to the Vermont Intelligence Center (VIC) to meet with analysts there and see the skills they learned throughout the week in immediate action. These experiences supplemented participants’ OSINT learning by helping them build an understanding of how the U.S. military and police use OSINT in action.

The entire camp was funded by the Norwich DoW University Cyber Institute. By the end of the week, participants gained experience using real world investigative tools and methodologies used in law enforcement, cybersecurity, military, and defense. Participants gained exposure to a collegiate cyber environment and potential pathways to future higher education studies. Students networked with faculty, cadets, and guest experts with the same interest in OSINT.

Of her experience, Emily Falanga, a rising high school senior from West Haven, Connecticut, said, “Norwich OSINT was a very immersive experience that drew in your attention and left you wanting to learn more.”

Cora Teresi, a rising high school senior from Georgia, said, “I liked hearing the veterans’ experiences. It helped me decide what I wanted to do.”