Tare as soon as labored as a plumber in South Africa’s Western Cape and noticed restricted alternatives for financial development. After an opportunity assembly with a senior chief on the not-for-profit Digital Expertise Africa, he acquired a second-hand laptop computer and started learning cybersecurity by way of Cisco Networking Academy. Exhibiting distinctive perseverance, Tare’s research finally led him to turn into a certified teacher in cybersecurity, Cisco networking, DevNet, and extra—reworking his life and provoking others.
On this Worldwide Day of Studying, we have fun the transformative energy of schooling. At Cisco, we imagine that studying is the bridge to alternative. For practically three many years, the Cisco Networking Academy has been the architect of that bridge for thousands and thousands of people worldwide.
No area adjustments quicker than know-how. If we want to proceed to supply life-changing alternatives, we too should change. Along with core networking and cybersecurity expertise, our Cisco Networking Academy studying portfolio now consists of programs in in-demand areas corresponding to enterprise communications, knowledge science, Python, and AI.
It’s additionally why, simply over a 12 months in the past, we introduced Cisco Networking Academy, Cisco U., and Studying & Certifications collectively into one workforce known as Be taught with Cisco. That’s allowed us so as to add much more superior materials into Cisco Networking Academy programs and create stronger ties all through the Cisco group. Over time, it’ll assist us proceed to strengthen the powerhouse that’s Cisco Networking Academy.
As we glance again on fiscal 12 months 2026, I’m extremely proud to share that Cisco Networking Academy has reached 28 million college students. That is greater than only a statistic; it represents 28 million lives united by a singular, highly effective ambition: the dream of adjusting their circumstances and succeeding in a digital world.
A legacy of innovation
In 1997, Cisco acknowledged a worldwide want for certified IT professionals. And we noticed a worldwide starvation for the talents that may allow thousands and thousands to acquire and thrive in family- and community-supporting jobs within the IT business.
Cisco Networking Academy began small, with 64 instructional establishments throughout seven U.S. states. Since then, this system has developed as know-how has modified and as college students have demanded extra accessible methods to study—whether or not which means profession changers, college students, or just those that refused to be left behind.
Within the final two years, Cisco—and the know-how business as a complete—have embraced what could also be our greatest problem but: synthetic intelligence.
AI is now not a distinct segment specialization; it’s a foundational talent for the long run. We now deal with AI literacy simply as we did networking and cybersecurity: as a baseline competency. Understanding AI ideas, instruments, and accountable use is now as important as figuring out code or safe a community.
Cisco Networking Academy now presents programs corresponding to Introduction to Fashionable AI, in addition to a whole collection to assist college students and professionals use AI of their each day lives. College students can proceed this studying development by way of studying paths corresponding to these supporting the Cisco AI Enterprise Practitioner (AIBIZ) badge and the Cisco AI Technical Practitioner (AITECH) certification.
Our dedication to inclusivity
Cisco Networking Academy is distinguished by its inclusivity. This system is free, hands-on, and requires no stipulations for foundational programs. These programs present a gateway to deeper studying, enabling college students to advance to intermediate and skilled ranges and earn extremely revered business certifications.
This dedication to influence is powerfully illustrated within the international NetAcad video testimonial we’re launching immediately. Along with Tare’s story, we spotlight that of Maurizio, an teacher who has devoted 20 years to the Cisco Networking Academy program, main certainly one of Italy’s high Academy Help Facilities and serving as a worldwide ambassador amongst instructors.
As we have fun the Worldwide Day of Studying, we invite you to hitch this international group. Whether or not you might be ranging from scratch or trying to lead within the age of AI, the door is open. Collectively, we’re doing greater than instructing know-how; we’re powering the goals of thousands and thousands.
Joyful Worldwide Day of Studying!
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