Michigan High School Cyber Summit 2025
Overview
Cyber-attacks have increased dramatically in recent years. The 3rd Annual Michigan High School Cyber Summit provides an opportunity for young people to learn about the latest efforts to defend against cyber criminals in both the public and private sectors. This event also creates an opportunity to showcase the variety of career opportunities available in cybersecurity and outline the path to secure those jobs.
MI Cyber High School Day 2025: Quote
The Michigan High School Cyber Summit gives students from across the state the opportunity to explore careers in cybersecurity and IT, while outlining a path to land those jobs. Today’s students are tomorrow’s IT leaders, and this event helps us create a talent pipeline that will help ensure a safe, secure digital environment now and in the future.- Laura Clark, Chief Information Officer, State of Michigan
The Michigan High School Cyber Summit attracts hundreds of high school students from across the state to take part in an engaging half-day agenda highlighting cybersecurity trends, best practices, and career opportunities. This summit gives students the chance to interact directly with cybersecurity experts and top industry professionals while collaborating and networking with their peers.- Caleb Buhs, Chief Deputy Director, Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget
Speakers
Caleb Buhs
Chief Deputy Director, Department of Technology, Management and Budget, State of Michigan
Caleb Buhs serves as the chief deputy director for the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB), a position he was appointed to in 2023. In his role, Buhs directs the business and administrative operations for the agency of 2,800 employees, who provide information technology, business, and administrative services to Michigan residents, businesses, state agencies, state employees, and retirees.
Driven by a passion for public service, Buhs has spent nearly two decades working to improve government services for the benefit of all Michiganders. As a member of DTMB’s leadership team, he helps foster a culture of engaged employees to ensure the delivery of outstanding customer service, areas in which DTMB has consistently exceeded national benchmarks.
Buhs began his public service career with the State of Michigan in 2004 and has served as the public information officer and economic development advisor for the Department of Insurance and Financial Service, deputy press secretary for the governor, and communications specialist for the Department of Treasury. Prior to being named chief deputy director, he served more than eight years as the communications director for DTMB.
Buhs holds a bachelor’s degree in integrative public relations from Central Michigan University. He maintains an active presence in his community, serving as a school board member for Charlotte Public Schools, including two terms as president, and having coached numerous youth sports teams.
Agenda
Wednesday, October 22 |
|
9:00 am Eastern |
Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit AreaDiamond Ballroom |
9:30 am Eastern |
Welcome and Opening RemarksDiamond BallroomRex Menold, Chief Technology Officer, Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget |
9:40 am Eastern |
Keynote – High School, Cybersecurity, and You! How to Stay a Step Ahead of Cybercriminals in Our Digital AgeDiamond BallroomToday’s high school students live in a digital-centric world that previous generations never grew up with. Cybercriminals are using this new world as a means to steal, manipulate, or even threaten others. Join thought leader Bryce Austin on a journey around today’s digital landscape, how to keep yourself and your family safe from cybercriminals, and how to use cybersecurity skills to your own competitive advantage. Bryce Austin, CEO, TCE Strategy |
10:20 am Eastern |
What’s NextDiamond BallroomRex Menold, Chief Technology Officer, Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget |
10:30 am Eastern |
Crack the Code: Build Your Own Enigma MachineDiamond BallroomStep back in time to World War II, when secret codes and clever machines determined the course of history. In this interactive session, students will explore the fascinating story of the Enigma machine—how it worked, how it was broken, and why it changed the world of cryptography forever. After a short history lesson, participants will roll up their sleeves and build their own simple version of an Enigma machine, experiencing firsthand the thrill of creating and cracking codes. By the end, students will not only understand one of the greatest cybersecurity challenges of the past but also see how it connects to the digital security world of today. |
11:30 am Eastern |
General Session: "What It’s Really Like: A Day in the Life of Tech Pros"Diamond BallroomEver wonder what people in IT, Cybersecurity, or AI actually do all day? In this fast-paced session, recent grads share what it’s like to land your first job in tech from stopping cyberattacks to building smart systems and solving real-world problems. You’ll hear quick stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and get the chance to ask your own questions. No buzzwords. No boring lectures. Just the real deal from people who were in your shoes not long ago. |
12:00 pm Eastern |
Buffet Lunch + Networking BreakDiamond Ballroom |
1:00 pm Eastern |
Cybersecurity PSA Challenge: Design, Create, ProtectDiamond BallroomThink you can outsmart the hackers? Here’s your chance to prove it. In this fast-paced, hands-on challenge, students will uncover the tricks cybercriminals use to fool people - and then flip the script by creating eye-catching PSA posters to warn others. Armed with a few insider tips, you’ll put your creativity to work designing bold messages that grab attention and make cybersecurity unforgettable. The session wraps with a showcase of the top posters, where standout PSAs get their moment in the spotlight. |
2:00 pm Eastern |
General Session: Inside the Mind of a Hacker: Outsmarting Social EngineeringDiamond BallroomSocial engineering is today’s most effective cyber weapon — and it targets people, not just systems. In this engaging 30-minute main stage session, you’ll explore how hackers use psychology, trust, and misdirection to manipulate their way past security. Through live audience interaction, real-world examples, and rapid-fire challenges, you'll learn to recognize common social engineering tactics like phishing, impersonation, and baiting. Step into the mindset of an attacker, test your instincts, and walk away with practical strategies to strengthen your human firewall. |
2:30 am Eastern |
Closing RemarksDiamond Ballroom |
2:45 pm Eastern |
End of ConferenceConference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change. |
Suburban Collection Showplace
46100 Grand River Ave
Novi, MI 48374
(248) 348-5600
Suburban Collection Showplace
Planning Committee
Representatives
Dantae Barden
MiSOC
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan
Jamie Bennett
Deputy Chief Security Officer
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan
Roger Blake
Chief Executive Officer
Merit
Caleb Buhs
Chief Deputy Director
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan
Jayson Cavendish
Director of Performance Management
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan
Laura Clark
Chief Information Officer
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan
Danielle Davis
Senior Executive Management Assistant
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan
Michelle McClish
Cybersecurity Local Partnerships
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan
Sydney Mezy
MiSOC
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan
Brian Pillar
IT Protect Deliery Officer
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan
Michael Sauer
Director
Upper Peninsula Cybersecurity Institute at Northern Michigan University
Megan Schrauben
MiSTEM Executive Director
State of Michigan
Tamara Shoemaker
President
Midwest MCISSE Chapter, Cyber Patriot Program
Sarah Tennant
Senior Sector Development Director & Cyber Advisory
Michigan Economic Develompent Corporation
MI Economic Development Corporation
Cheryl Wilson
Computer Science Consultant
Michigan Department of Education
State of Michigan
Laura Wotruba
Communications Director
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan
Larry Wyn
Michigan Statewide Program Manager for Code.org, MiSTEM CS Program Manager
Grand Valley State University
Industry Representatives
Tammie Buehler
Client Director
Trace3
Kerry DeBano
Client Relationship Executive
Deloitte
Registration Information / Contact Us
Event Date: October 22, 2025
Educators: Interested in bringing students from the upcoming 2025/2026 school year? Fill out this interest form to receive more information and be notified when registration opens: https://events.esd.org/mi-hs-cyber-interest/
For general questions on the 2025 event, contact:
Jennifer Caldwell
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 932-1345
E-mail: jcaldwell@govtech.com