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 finding out cybersecurity by way of Cisco Networking Academy. Exhibiting distinctive perseverance, Tare’s research ultimately led him to turn into a certified 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 schooling. At Cisco, we consider that studying is the bridge to alternative. For practically three many years, the Cisco Networking Academy has been the architect of that bridge for tens of millions of people worldwide.
No subject adjustments sooner than know-how. If we want to proceed to offer life-changing alternatives, we too should change. Along with core networking and cybersecurity abilities, our Cisco Networking Academy studying portfolio now consists of programs in in-demand areas equivalent 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 referred to as Study 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 is going to 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 world want for certified IT professionals. And we noticed a world starvation for the talents that might allow tens of millions 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 be taught—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 an entire—have embraced what could also be our largest problem but: synthetic intelligence.
AI is not a distinct segment specialization; it’s a foundational talent for the longer term. 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 how one can code or safe a community.
Cisco Networking Academy now gives programs equivalent to Introduction to Fashionable AI, in addition to a complete sequence to assist college students and professionals use AI of their day by day lives. College students can proceed this studying development by way of studying paths equivalent 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 professional ranges and earn extremely revered business certifications.
This dedication to affect is powerfully illustrated within the international NetAcad video testimonial we’re launching in the present day. 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 among 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 group. 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 instructing know-how; we’re powering the desires of tens of millions.
Joyful Worldwide Day of Studying!
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