Mayors Cup
Mission Statement
The Inland Empire Mayors Cyber Cup (Mayors Cup) builds cybersecurity awareness and opportunity by bringing together students, educators, businesses, and community leaders to strengthen skills and career pathways. More than a competition, it is a regional platform that connects talent with industry needs, raises awareness of the importance of cybersecurity for every sector, and celebrates the people and partnerships driving a safer, more prosperous future for our communities and economy.
Introduction
The Mayors Cup is more than a competition. It’s a growing movement uniting students, educators, and industry around the future of cybersecurity. Over 560 Inland Empire students have been practicing their skills weekly, many exploring cybersecurity for the first time and discovering new career possibilities in tech. More than 30 dedicated coaches have launched programs, guided teams, and learned alongside their students. Together, they’re building a community of innovation, collaboration, and opportunity that’s preparing the region’s future workforce.
Previous Mayors Cup Supporters, Sponsors, and Partners
Supporters
Sponsors
Partners
Why “Mayors” Cup?
The plural form represents communities across the Inland Empire coming together. The winning high school team will present the perpetual trophy to their local mayor, building a bridge between local government and cybersecurity education while raising awareness of this critical career pathway in our communities.
IE Mayors Cup Program
Where Cybersecurity
Education Meets Regional Competition
IE Mayors Cup Program
Where Cybersecurity
Education Meets Regional Competition
Build Tomorrow’s Cyber Defenders Today
The IE Mayors Cup Program transforms cybersecurity education through hands-on learning, regional collaboration, and competitive excellence. Students compete on behalf of their schools and city mayors for the prestigious IE Mayors Cup perpetual trophy.
Program Core Components:
Community of Practice: Advanced coach dashboard to manage students, track game platform participation, and connect with regional coaches
Professional Development: Comprehensive coach training sessions with exclusive access to CyberNuggets video resources
Curriculum Aligned: Supports STEM/CTE standards while building practical skills, teamwork, and resilience
24/7 On-Demand Labs:
• Access 420+ hands-on cybersecurity labs
• 5-10 new labs added monthly
• Unlimited use for all participants
• Specialized Learning Paths (Python security, role-based training, tool mastery)
• Weekly challenges with “Weekly Streaks” and “First Blood” achievements
• Monthly Flash CTF challenges
Final Competition:
Teams represent their schools and mayors in a year-end celebration of cybersecurity excellence, competing across:
• OSINT
• Cryptography
• Operating Systems (Linux, Windows, MacOS, Other)
• Forensics (Log analysis, Discussion about AI use for cybersecurity – blue team)
• Social Engineering (Phishing, deep fakes, QR codes)
Join the IE Mayors Cup Program – where digital equity meets competitive excellence, and every student gains real-world cybersecurity skills.
IECF Cybersecurity
Awareness Fund
The Cybersecurity Awareness Fund exists to support programs and activities that help people and organizations in the Inland Empire better understand and protect against cyber threats. This includes funding the annual Inland Empire Mayors Cyber Cup (Mayors Cup) —a hands-on competition for students—as well as promoting training, outreach, and community events that build local skills and knowledge. The fund also brings together schools, businesses, local governments, and community groups to work as partners in growing a stronger, safer regional cybersecurity network.
Connect with Us
Want to connect with the Mayors Cup team? Please use the form below to send us a message or email us
at cyber@syned.org