Statewide Youth Broadband Advisory Council Update
 What happened at our March Meeting:
This month, we had the opportunity to meet with Mike Kool and Chris Sievers from John Deere. They engaged with the #IowaSYBAC students, discussing the company's initiatives, the advancements in artificial intelligence they are pursuing, and their vision for the future. Their goal is to develop products that promote sustainability and provide innovative support to farmers.
Additionally, they shared insights from their own career journeys, motivating students to consider a range of opportunities and illustrating how John Deere has played a pivotal role in helping them identify their strengths. They encouraged everyone to seize career opportunities as they arise, as these experiences may lead to the discovery of a passion or a true calling.
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We are looking for our 2025-2026 SYBAC Students!
Applications will be open April 10. If you know a high school student passionate about technology, encourage them to apply for our youth broadband council. This is a fantastic opportunity for them to connect with industry professionals, ask questions, and discover career options available in Iowa.
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Upcoming Events
We have two upcoming Security Exchange Sessions that you won't want to miss. These sessions are designed to empower participants with essential knowledge, enabling them to delve into a variety of strategies and tools. By attending, you'll greatly enhance your cyber security awareness and practices.
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Register to attend the
Security Exchange Sessions on the following dates:
April 16 from 10 AM - 11 AM
Hunting for Malfunctioning EDR
June 11 from 10 AM - 11 AM
Baselining A Windows System
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HIGHLIGHTED SERVICE
 Consultation Services
As we come back from spring break and get closer to the end of the school year, it’s a great time to think about what needs to be done at your school. Are you thinking about modernizing your phone and internet systems? Have you thought about fiber management and designing a network system? Are there places in and around your building that could use some updates? Let us help.
Internet2's Presidential Primary Sources Project
 Ending soon!
You still have a chance to join some of the FREE interactive webinars from the Presidential Primary Resources Project, designed for grades 4-12. More exciting sessions are on the way, so don’t let this enjoyable and educational opportunity pass you by!
Here are the upcoming webinars:
- April 1 - Leadership in a Time of Crisis: The Oklahoma City Bombing, Clinton Presidential Library and Museum
- April 3 - President Grant and Civil Rights, Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site
👉 As we conclude this year's webinars, remember the excitement continues! Explore Internet2's wealth of free educational resources on their website!, covering science, history, arts, culture, and more.
Iowa Communications Network (ICN) is Iowa’s only authorized Research & Education Network giving our education customers exclusive access to Internet2 services.
FREE Coding Resource for Your Class
W3SCHOOLS
Explore one of the biggest free web development platforms designed to help you teach coding to your students.
W3Schools is a free resource for students and aspiring 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.
 Our CIO Patrick Kazeze was invited to the "Save the Data" event hosted Drake University. He collaborated up with students who went through a play-by-play tabletop exercise that navigated a live ransomware attack scenario. He and other professionals were there to offer an inside look at how we and other organizations handle cybersecurity crises. One of the students excitedly remarked, "It's just like a movie but for real!"
This event was made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors and hosts: Heartland Business Systems, Rubrik Inc., and the Technology Association of Iowa. It served as an excellent opportunity to connect business professionals with students, allowing them to experience real-life scenarios and ask questions for a deeper understanding.
Iowa STEM Resources
 Governor's Stem Advisory Council and The Iowa Department of Education
Did you know that the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council and the Iowa Department of Education offer a variety of online resources? You can access free materials to boost your students' understanding of STEM and guide them toward exciting careers here in Iowa.
They provide career videos that show how classroom learning relates to real STEM jobs in Iowa. There are also podcasts featuring insights from experts discussing the importance of STEM education today. Additionally, you'll find Teachable Moments, a collection of activities and lessons organized by grade level to make the most of learning time for you and your students. And there is so much more to explore.
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