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 Abilities Africa, he obtained a second-hand laptop computer and commenced finding out cybersecurity by means of Cisco Networking Academy. Displaying distinctive perseverance, Tare’s research ultimately led him to develop into a professional teacher in cybersecurity, Cisco networking, DevNet, and extra—remodeling his life and provoking others.
On this Worldwide Day of Studying, we have fun the transformative energy of training. At Cisco, we consider that studying is the bridge to alternative. For almost three a long time, the Cisco Networking Academy has been the architect of that bridge for tens of millions of people worldwide.
No discipline modifications sooner 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 contains programs in in-demand areas corresponding to enterprise communications, information science, Python, and AI.
It’s additionally why, simply over a yr in the past, we introduced Cisco Networking Academy, Cisco U., and Studying & Certifications collectively into one group referred to 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 neighborhood. Over time, it would assist us proceed to strengthen the powerhouse that’s Cisco Networking Academy.
As we glance again on fiscal yr 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 world want for certified IT professionals. And we noticed a world starvation for the talents that may allow tens of millions to acquire and thrive in family- and community-supporting jobs within the IT trade.
Cisco Networking Academy began small, with 64 academic 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 trade 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 ability 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 understanding code or safe a community.
Cisco Networking Academy now provides programs corresponding to Introduction to Fashionable AI, in addition to a complete collection to assist college students and professionals use AI of their day by day lives. College students can proceed this studying development by means 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 conditions 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 trade certifications.
This dedication to impression is powerfully illustrated within the international NetAcad video testimonial we’re launching right this moment. Along with Tare’s story, we spotlight that of Maurizio, an teacher who has devoted 20 years to the Cisco Networking Academy program, main one in every of Italy’s prime Academy Assist Facilities and serving as a world ambassador amongst instructors.
As we have fun the Worldwide Day of Studying, we invite you to affix this international neighborhood. Whether or not you might be ranging from scratch or seeking to lead within the age of AI, the door is open. Collectively, we’re doing greater than educating know-how; we’re powering the desires of tens of millions.
Glad Worldwide Day of Studying!
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