hand-holding-heartVolunteer with KC7

Join the KC7 volunteer community and contribute to cybersecurity education through content development, game writing, and community support

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Volunteer with KC7

From day one, KC7 has been built entirely by volunteers. Every game, every module, every line of content β€” made by people who showed up, cared about the mission, and put in real work.

If that sounds like you, keep reading.

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What KC7 Actually Is

KC7 is a cybersecurity education platform built around a detective game. Players investigate realistic cyber incidents using real data, real tools, and real analytical thinking. Our platform is used by thousands of people around the world β€” from students just starting out to seasoned security professionals.

Our volunteers have created content that's been featured at DEF CON, Black Hat, and SANS. This is real work, with real reach.

We're a non-profit, but we operate like a start-up. Things move fast. We figure things out as we go. And we genuinely believe that cybersecurity education can be more diverse, more accessible, and a lot more fun than the industry has traditionally made it.


Is This Right for You?

We want to be honest with you before you apply, because your time matters and so does ours.

You're a Good Fit If You:

  • Are looking to break into cybersecurity and want to build skills beyond just playing the game

  • Care about making cybersecurity more accessible and inclusive

  • Can commit 4–8 hours a month consistently, not in one burst and then silence

  • Communicate proactively β€” especially when things aren't going to plan

  • Are comfortable working with limited resources and figuring things out

  • Want to build real skills and do real work, not just add a line to your resume

  • Are willing to play KC7 and actually understand what you're contributing to

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The honest version: What you get out of KC7 is directly tied to what you put in. Volunteers who dive in, ask questions, and take ownership of their work come away with skills, connections, and contributions they're genuinely proud of. Volunteers who don't engage don't get much β€” and that's on both of us to prevent.


What You'll Work On

Volunteers contribute across four tracks. When you apply, you'll be matched to the one that fits your skills and interests.

Track

Content Development

What You'll Do

Write, review, and improve educational modules and learning materials for the KC7 platform

Track

Game Writing & Scenario Design

What You'll Do

Build KC7 investigation games β€” storylines, clues, and realistic cyber scenarios

Track

Administrative Support

What You'll Do

Research, coordination, documentation, and the operational work that keeps everything moving

Track

Community & Discord Moderation

What You'll Do

Keep the KC7 community welcoming, helpful, and true to what we stand for


What We Ask

Time Commitment

4–8 hours per month, minimum. How you spread those hours is up to you β€” we care about output and communication, not when you log on.

A 30-Day Trial

Every volunteer starts with a scoped starter task. It's designed to be completable, clear, and matched to your track. It's not a test β€” it's a way for both of us to make sure this is a good fit before we invest more deeply in each other.

Communication

  • Tell us what you can realistically take on β€” upfront, not after missing a deadline

  • Respond to monthly check-ins within 5 business days

  • If life gets busy, just say so. A Slack message is all it takes

Our Four Core Expectations

1

Know the Game

Play KC7. The more you understand what we're building, the better your contribution β€” no matter your role.

2

Communicate Honestly

If you say you'll do something, do it. If you can't, tell us early. Unmet commitments quietly compound and hurt the whole team.

3

Give Real Feedback

We've gotten this far by being willing to hear hard things and act on them. If you see something we could do better, say it β€” and be ready to help fix it.

4

Treat People Well

Everyone here is a volunteer. Deadlines get stressful. We ask that you bring empathy and respect to every interaction, always.


What You Get

Benefit
Details

🀝 Community Access

Direct access to the KC7 team and community via Slack from day one

🧠 Real Skill-Building

Advanced, portfolio-worthy work in cybersecurity β€” ideal if you're early in your career and want experience that goes beyond the game itself

πŸ‘• KC7 Swag

Sent after you complete your 30-day trial

✍️ Contributor Credits

Your name on any KC7 content or game you help create

🌟 LinkedIn Recommendations

Available from KC7 team members after 3+ months of consistent contribution


How It Works

1

You Apply

We'll ask about your background, availability, and which track interests you.

2

We Match You

To a track and a KC7 point-of-contact on our team.

3

You Read and Sign

The Volunteer Expectations document.

4

You Get Your Starter Task

Scoped, clear, and ready to go on day one.

5

30-Day Check-In

We talk about how it went and what comes next.

6

You're In!

Assigned to ongoing work and part of the KC7 volunteer community.


A Few More Honest Things

chevron-rightWhat if I need a break?hashtag

You can pause for up to 60 days without losing your place β€” just tell us before you go quiet.

chevron-rightWhat if I want to leave?hashtag

A short heads-up is all we ask. We'll wrap up open work together. No guilt.

chevron-rightWhat happens if you don't hear from me?hashtag

If we don't hear from you for 3 consecutive weeks or 3 missed check-ins, we'll reach out. If there's still no response, we'll close out your spot. You're always welcome to reapply.


Ready to Apply?

If you've read this and you're still in β€” great. That's exactly the kind of self-awareness we're looking for.

Whether you're deep in the industry or just starting to break in, there's a place for you here if you're willing to show up and do the work.

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hand-holding-heartApply to Volunteer with KC7

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Questions before applying? Reach out at [email protected]


Other Ways to Support KC7

Not ready to volunteer but still want to help? Here are other ways to support our mission:


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