History of the
Mayors Cup
The California State Assembly issued a challenge in 2018 to address the 40,000 open cybersecurity positions across the state. As of 2024, nearly 39,000 of these positions remain unfilled.
In response to that challenge, SynED developed the concept of a state-wide cyber competition and implemented it in 2019. Below is the historical arc and evolution of the Mayors Cup competition program from 2019 to the Inland Empire’s version of that concept.
In response to this ongoing challenge, the Inland Economic Growth and Opportunity Collaborative (IEGO) has been a driving force behind the Inland Empire California Mayors Cyber Cup (Mayors Cup), which actively engages students, educators, government officials, business leaders, and other stakeholders to help grow California’s future cybersecurity workforce.
Powered by IEGO, the Mayors Cup is open to all middle school, high school, and community college students. It provides an accessible, entry-level competition designed to ensure equitable access to opportunities in the cybersecurity field. The competition uses a browser-based platform, allowing students with devices like Chromebooks to participate. While the competition itself is virtual, students will gather in person at their schools or local community centers, blending digital learning with social engagement to create a meaningful and inclusive experience. Through its continued support of the Mayors Cup, IEGO is helping to build a robust pipeline of talent for the cybersecurity sector, addressing the skills gap and supporting regional workforce development.
What started in 2019 as a statewide cyber competition created by SynED has evolved into a lasting regional effort to develop cybersecurity talent across the Inland Empire. Explore the milestones that shaped the Mayors Cup in the timeline below.
• SynED develops and launches the statewide cyber competition.
• 10 regions participate.
• 12 in person simultaneous events.
• 1500 students, 270 teams, and 150 mayors/cities represented.
• Competition pauses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Inland Empire continues its commitment to supporting the program.
• 12 coaches, 200 students participate.
• 8 high schools, 3 middle schools, and 1 college represented.
• NorCal (Sacramento) and Inland Empire each host their own version of the program.
• 15 coaches, 200 students participate.
• 8 high schools, 6 middle schools, and 1 college represented.
• The IE joins the NorCal Mayors Cup as guest competitors.
• 15 coaches, 238 students participate.
• 10 high schools, 2 middle schools, and 3 colleges represented.
• No grant funds secured through the regional consortium.
• The IE again joins the NorCal Mayors Cup as guest competitors.
• 3 coaches, 34 students participate.
• 3 middle schools represented.
• IEGO champions the Mayors Cup as a community-based regional event.
• The Mayors Cup becomes a permanent Inland Empire initiative supporting local schools and students.
• 560 students practice. 30 coaches, 340 students compete.
• 20 high schools, 6 middle schools, and 4 colleges represented.
Statewide Cyber Competition Launch
• SynED develops and launches the statewide cyber competition.
• 10 regions participate.
• 12 in person simultaneous events.
• 1500 students, 270 teams, and 150 mayors/cities represented.
Statewide Lockdown
• Competition pauses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Regional Mayors Cup Concept & First Virtual Competition
• Inland Empire continues its commitment to supporting the program.
• 12 coaches, 200 students participate.
• 8 high schools, 3 middle schools, and 1 college represented.
Region-Specific Virtual Competitions Begin
• NorCal (Sacramento) and Inland Empire each host their own version of the program.
• 15 coaches, 200 students participate.
• 8 high schools, 6 middle schools, and 1 college represented.
Inland Empire Faces Funding Challenges
• The IE joins the NorCal Mayors Cup as guest competitors.
• 15 coaches, 238 students participate.
• 10 high schools, 2 middle schools, and 3 colleges represented.
Continued Funding Challenges
• No grant funds secured through the regional consortium.
• The IE again joins the NorCal Mayors Cup as guest competitors.
• 3 coaches, 34 students participate.
• 3 middle schools represented.
Inland Empire Mayors Cyber Cup Revived
• IEGO champions the Mayors Cup as a community-based regional event.
• The Mayors Cup becomes a permanent Inland Empire initiative supporting local schools and students.
• 560 students practice. 30 coaches, 340 students compete.
• 20 high schools, 6 middle schools, and 4 colleges represented.
2025 Celebration Videos
2025 Celebration Videos
Parade of Teams
Awards Ceremony
Winners Year-on-Year
Winners Year-on-Year
Previous Mayors Cup Supporters, Sponsors, and Partners
Supporters
Sponsors
Partners
