Statewide Youth Broadband Advisory Council

Screenshot from a SYBAC monthly meeting with all the high school students, hosts, and guests
students having a discussion in a classroom
2026-2027 SYBAC Application

Applications are open for the Statewide Youth Broadband Advisory Council (SYBAC). Shape the future of connectivity in Iowa! 

Questions? Email lori.larsen@iowa.gov

SYBAC Membership Application
teacher in front of a classroom chalkboard
Teacher Recommendation

Teachers: ✨ You can recommend a student by submitting a form on their behalf. Students also need to submit a student application.

SYBAC Teacher Recommendation

The Statewide Youth Broadband Advisory Council (SYBAC) is an opportunity for high school students to research and discuss broadband and Internet topics, learn about Iowa technology companies, and discover technology careers. Meetings will take place monthly, throughout the school year, via video conference, teleconference, and/or in-person.

SYBAC is open to 10th – 12th grade Iowa students. Students will identify effective strategies to improve broadband connectivity and community environments, which could assist in advocacy efforts for rural Internet connectivity.

See what’s sparking curiosity for our SYBAC students. ➡️ SYBAC Resources

SYBAC members will:

  • Participate in SYBAC meetings (by phone and online).
  • Receive access to cybersecurity curriculum.
  • Interview a community executive about technology -- OR -- complete a community service project on the topic of cybersecurity.
  • Share information with Iowa State University's Iowa Cyber Hub .
  • Provide youth input on broadband efforts to create a connected Iowa.
  • Serve as a council representative for a minimum of one (1) year, September – April.

2026/2027 SYBAC Meeting Dates

  • Tuesday, September 8 at 2 PM
  • Tuesday, October 13 at 2 PM
  • Tuesday, November 10 at 2 PM
  • Tuesday, December 8 at 2 PM
  • Tuesday, January 12 at 2 PM
  • Tuesday, February 9 at 2 PM
  • Tuesday, March 9 at 2 PM
  • Tuesday, April 13 - In-person session at the Capitol Complex in Des Moines.
a celebration of confetti, streamers, and balloons for the SYBAC students getting their cybersecurity certification

Students earned their Fortinet Cybersecurity Certificate

Congratulations to the members of the Iowa Communications Network’s (ICN) Statewide Youth Broadband Advisory Council (SYBAC) for completing their Fortinet cybersecurity training!


 

Iowa Students Reach Cybersecurity Milestone
Student Writes About SYBAC

Learning about the challenges, possibilities of modern technology

Saanvi describes her SYBAC experience in an article for the Dubuque's Telegraph Herald.

Read the Telegraph Herald, Dubuque

Questions

Contact Lori Larsen for questions about the council.