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 acquired a second-hand laptop computer and started finding out cybersecurity via Cisco Networking Academy. Exhibiting distinctive perseverance, Tare’s research finally led him to turn into a professional 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 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 area modifications quicker than expertise. 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 comparable 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 crew 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 neighborhood. Over time, it is going to 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 fixing 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 might 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 instructional establishments throughout seven U.S. states. Since then, this system has advanced as expertise 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 expertise 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 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 easy methods to code or safe a community.
Cisco Networking Academy now presents programs comparable to Introduction to Trendy AI, in addition to a complete sequence to assist college students and professionals use AI of their every day lives. College students can proceed this studying development via studying paths comparable 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 influence is powerfully illustrated within the international NetAcad video testimonial we’re launching as we speak. 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 worldwide ambassador amongst instructors.
As we have fun the Worldwide Day of Studying, we invite you to affix this international neighborhood. Whether or not you’re ranging from scratch or trying to lead within the age of AI, the door is open. Collectively, we’re doing greater than instructing expertise; we’re powering the desires of tens of millions.
Completely happy Worldwide Day of Studying!
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