By Greg Archer | Contributing Columnist
Inland Economic Growth and Opportunity, a collaborative organization dedicated to fostering economic growth, driving innovation, and promoting opportunity across the Inland Empire, recently launched the Inland Empire Cybersecurity Awareness Fund at the Inland Empire Community Foundation. The new regional initiative was created to expand cybersecurity education, workforce development, cyber risk awareness, and community resilience.
Building “a safer, stronger regional economy by growing cybersecurity awareness and skills,” is part of the mission.
The new fund arrives at a time when AI advances and awareness around cybersecurity is on the rise. The Inland Empire endeavor will support programs that help people and organizations better understand and protect against cyber threats.
One of those programs is the annual Inland Empire Mayors Cyber Cup, which has been supported by Inland Economic Growth and Opportunity. The hands-on competition engages students, educators, government officials, business leaders, and other stakeholders to help grow California’s future cybersecurity workforce.
The Mayors Cup is now in its seventh year. It is open to all middle school, high school, and community college students and provides an accessible, entry-level competition designed to ensure equitable access to the cybersecurity field. The competition uses a browser-based platform, which allows students with devices to participate.
The event may be virtual, but students do gather in person at their schools or local community centers. The result is a blend of digital learning with social engagement.
In March, 350 students from middle school through community college participated. Twenty-seven schools were represented, and nearly half of the students were participating for the first time.
The winning team was The Real Christian Meglio of Great Oak High School in Temecula.
“This new fund is a game changer,” said Matthew Mena, Inland Economic Growth and Opportunity’s senior director. “It builds on work already underway in our area and lays a solid foundation for the next generation of cybersecurity talent, economic growth, and innovation.”
The fund will act as a catalyst, uniting schools, businesses, governments, and community groups to establish a more secure regional cybersecurity ecosystem, he said. By aligning existing efforts, the fund can expand educational access and create pathways into high-paying careers.
It can also strengthen the region’s appeal to new businesses and support the relocation of companies seeking a tech-friendly, skilled community.
“We want to make sure that students are offered an advantage to these resources,” Mena said. “One of IEGO’s hope is that we can reach students and that something like the Mayor’s Cup will spark their interest.”
Meanwhile, look for IEGO’s Career Launch Showcase — dubbed “Real Stories, Real Advice” — to further expand awareness around cybersecurity. The program will feature people in the early stages of their careers. It’s a unique platform designed for recent Inland Empire alumni to share experiences.
Khyati Mehta, Inland Empire Community Foundation’s chief financial officer, points out how important the new fund is right now, as technology continues to shift.
“Cybersecurity is no longer just a technology issue,” she said. “It impacts every business, school, and family in our region. By supporting this fund, we are not only protecting our communities, but also empowering students, educators, and residents with the knowledge, tools, and training they need to stay safe and thrive in today’s digital economy.”
Community members, businesses, and philanthropists are invited to support the fund and help shape a safer digital future for the region.
For more information about the Inland Empire Cybersecurity Awareness Fund or to get involved, please visit iemayorscup.com.
Inland Empire Community Foundation works to strengthen Inland Southern California through philanthropy. Visit iegives.org for more information.
