The Inland Empire solidified its position as a national leader in cybersecurity education on March 8, 2025, with the return of the Mayor’s Cyber Cup—an event designed to prepare students for one of the fastest-growing and most critical industries in the world. Hosted by the Inland Economic Growth and Opportunity Collaborative (IEGO), the competition brought together middle school, high school, and community college students across Riverside and San Bernardino counties to test their cybersecurity skills in real-world scenarios.
More than just a competition, the Mayor’s Cyber Cup is a cornerstone in the Inland Empire’s efforts to cultivate a highly skilled cybersecurity workforce—one that is increasingly essential as digital threats target vital infrastructure, including water systems, utilities, hospitals, and schools.
“Cybersecurity is a sector that is security-critical,” said Matthew Mena, Executive Director of IEGO. “It’s not just about government agencies; it’s about web platforms, utilities, hospitals, and any field handling confidential information. The future of warfare is cyber, and ensuring that our region has a workforce capable of protecting these systems is essential.”
A Nationally Recognized Cybersecurity Training Hub
The event spotlighted the Inland Empire’s growing reputation as a cybersecurity education powerhouse. According to Mena, data from California Jobs First reveals that the region produces more cybersecurity-trained students than anywhere else in the state. Central to this success is California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB), home to one of just 12 federally funded Centers for Cyber and AI in the nation…