SYBAC Resources

high school student looking at SYBAC resources on a laptop in a library
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About the Statewide Youth Broadband Advisory Council (SYBAC)

The Statewide Youth Broadband Advisory Council (SYBAC) brings together Iowa high school students (grades 10–12) to research and discuss critical topics related to broadband, Internet, and technology careers across the state. Members meet monthly to identify effective strategies for improving connectivity, gain access to specialized cybersecurity curriculum, and provide youth input that directly shapes efforts to create a more connected Iowa.

2026/2027 Industry Experts & Topics

September: ICN Executive Director Ryan Mulhall

October: Cybersecurity Awareness Month presented by Procircular and ICN.

November: Rural healthcare connections and telehealth presented by UnityPoint

December: Cybersecurity presented by PC Matic, Corey Munson

January: Rural Connectivity and Digital Inclusion, Connected Nation

February: Coding activity presented by Kyle Kuhlers

March: Agriculture Technology presented by John Deere

April: In-person session at the Capitol Complex, Des Moines.

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Highlighted SYBAC Resources

Flexbox Froggy

Flexbox Froggy is a fun, browser-based game with no login required. It teaches CSS Flexbox fundamentals through interactive puzzles, allowing students to visually grasp how layout properties work.

TryHackMe

TryHackMe is an online platform that helps you learn cybersecurity and ethical hacking. It provides  interactive hands on 'rooms' where you can practice real world skills in a safe environment. It's an engaging way to build a strong skill set for a thrilling career path.

CodePen

CodePen is a code playground that works instantly in your browser. It lets students test ideas and see live changes to their code right away, saving time, and simplifying the learning process without needing a separate editor.

W3Schools

W3Schools is a free resource for developers, offering a variety of web development courses and free coding templates. It features the TryIt Editor, allowing users to modify examples, test, and run code safely. W3Schools aims to provide straightforward and interactive learning experiences for all skill levels, using clear code examples and visuals to explain concepts.

YouTube

Using the YouTube training tool individuals can learn from others by watching tutorials, accessing linked resources, and engaging with communities.

Sololearn

Learning to code is simplified with Sololearn with interactive, hands-on courses.

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2025/2026 Project Highlights

  • JT - From Curiosity to Career Insight!  JT sat down with Barry Griffiths, a Cybersecurity instructor at Hawkeye Community College, to pull back the curtain on the world of cyber. Here is his major takeaway from the experience: "Before I talked to Mr. Griffiths, I didn't expect anything...but after our conversation, his answers gave me a lot of insight into the cyber world and how to progress down a career path."
  • Hannah -  Where Public Safety Meets the Digital Frontier!  Hannah interviewed her local Chief of Police to learn how a 15-year veteran of the force tackles the digital world: Digital Evidence: Tech is central to most investigations, Proactive Defense: Use VPNs and forensics to protect community data, and the Human Element: Staff education and training is vital. Thank you for bridging the gap between tech and community service and showing how these two fields work hand-in-hand to keep Iowans safe.
  • Ryli - The Mission to Power Iowa! Ryli went behind the scenes at a local electric cooperative to see how cybersecurity keeps the lights on. She sat down with a local Systems Analyst to discuss how protecting our energy is a 24/7 mission. By monitoring national alerts and infrastructure agencies, the team stays on top of the latest threats to protect our state. Ryli noted how smart it is to pair high-tech tools with constant staff training to keep the network safe.
  • Annabelle - Empowering the Next Generation of Tech! Annabelle gave her cybersecurity presentation to middle schoolers, breaking down topics for the next generation of leaders: 1) Cyber Essentials: Insights on attacks, best practices, and the role of AI; 2) Career Mapping: Highlighting job growth & salaries in the tech industry; and 3) Future Foundations: Sharing her goals and plans to be a Software Engineer. As Annabelle puts it: "I never got the chance to really dive deep into tech until later in my education, so this was a wonderful experience to make the future better for those kids."
  • Zach - A Century of Connection! Zach went behind the scenes at Citizens Mutual for an interview with the general manager.  Zach’s project highlights: How a historic Iowa company stays ahead of modern cyber threats. Keeping rural customers informed through research and tech updates. Learning how curiosity and hands-on experience lead to leadership. To wrap up, Zach asked what advice Vince would give his younger self: Trust yourself more, and be more confident in yourself.
  • Ethan - When in Doubt, Check It Out! Ethan built a local network by partnering with a senior tech specialist and securing a guest spot to share vital scam awareness tips with his community. His drive to help his community didn't stop after one event. Ethan shared, "After the presentation, I looked to see if there were other people doing similar scam awareness education, that is when I came across the Iowa Fraud Fighters."  He successfully reached out to them to learn more and is working with his local library to set up future presentations. Congrats on doing such great work in your community, Ethan. What a bright future leader!
  • Alex and Irene - Demystifying Digital Defense. Alex and Irene teamed up to tackle a massive challenge: making cybersecurity accessible to everyone. They designed and developed a comprehensive website dedicated to internet privacy and security. Their platform guides users through step-by-step security levels, starting with everyday basics and scaling all the way up to advanced privacy tools.
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