Within the coronary heart of rural Illinois, a transformative academic initiative is making waves. Leaders Innovating for Tomorrow (LIFT) is reshaping the long run for college kids within the Mattoon Group Unit College District #2 and past. By harnessing the ability of Cisco know-how, LIFT is providing college students hands-on studying experiences that put together them for thrilling, non-traditional profession paths.
A New Mannequin for Profession and Technical Training
LIFT provides a wide range of profession and technical schooling (CTE) applications – from IT to HVAC to culinary arts. The choices are as various as the scholars’ pursuits. With 101 completely different programs throughout seven pathways, every targeted on a selected profession area, LIFT caters to highschool juniors and seniors in as much as 28 districts.
Positioned in a purpose-built facility, LIFT equips college students with high-demand expertise that put together them for the long run. This system boasts a outstanding statistic: 94% of its highschool graduates enroll in postsecondary schooling, superior coaching, army service, or employment throughout the yr following commencement.
Overcoming Challenges with Progressive Options
Confronted with the problem of standardizing IT infrastructure and supporting an revolutionary curriculum, the LIFT staff turned to Cisco applied sciences. Implementing options comparable to Catalyst Switches, Webex, Meraki Good Cameras, and Safe Firewall, they created a seamless and safe studying setting. This complete setup facilitates collaboration and connectivity, making certain that each college students and school can concentrate on what issues most – schooling.
Along with know-how, LIFT college students are making a tangible influence in their communities. In simply the final yr, 254 service initiatives had been accomplished, and college students participated in 201 lively management alternatives, demonstrating their dedication to enhancing the college and the area.
Remodeling the Academic Panorama
“We don’t have a standard classroom setting,” explains Aaron Ramsey, IT Program Facilitator. “It’s extra like a workshop mannequin, with pockets of scholars engaged on various things.” This shift from standard strategies to a self-directed, hands-on studying mannequin permits college students to focus on sensible expertise, making ready them for each larger schooling and the workforce.
Via this revolutionary strategy, college students earned 452 certifications, credentials, and twin credit final yr, positioning them forward of the curve in immediately’s aggressive job market.
Instructing IT Via a Expertise-to-Jobs Program
Ramsey has reimagined IT instruction by emphasizing real-world functions over conventional homework and exams. By organising a state-of-the-art server lab with Cisco {hardware}, college students acquire useful expertise and trade certifications via Cisco Networking Academy programs.
Of the scholars who’ve taken a Cisco Networking Academy course at LIFT prior to now three years, three have earned CCNA certifications, seven have earned JavaScript certifications via Networking Academy’s companion programs, and 4 have accomplished the IT Necessities course, incomes its credential. One pupil additionally efficiently handed the Safety+ examination, changing into the primary in this system to take and obtain the certification.
Ramsey proudly notes, “100% of our college students even have clear plans for his or her subsequent steps after highschool.”
Bridging the Hole: Connecting College students Inside and Exterior Lecture rooms
Webex know-how has grow to be a cornerstone of LIFT’s collaborative setting, enabling college students to attach with potential employers, attend digital conferences, and execute group initiatives. Ramsey recollects a pupil initiative to offer rural communities with free Wi-Fi, noting that “it was a ardour mission, and Webex gear allowed her to get on convention calls and facilitate the method.”
LIFT additionally takes an annual journey to Cisco’s Chicago workplaces, the place college students spend a complete day participating with Cisco workers. From profession panels to interactive actions and open boards, this expertise offers a useful glimpse into city skilled environments and evokes college students to broaden their horizons.
Charting a Pathway to a Brighter Future
Via revolutionary use of Cisco know-how, LIFT is reworking schooling for rural college students, offering them with the abilities and experiences essential to thrive in immediately’s digital workforce. As Ramsey places it, “Combining Cisco Community Academy coaching with the perfect Cisco gear helps our college students keep on high of present tendencies and applied sciences.”
In rural Illinois, LIFT is not only a program – it’s a pathway to a brighter future.
