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 via Cisco Networking Academy. Displaying distinctive perseverance, Tare’s research finally led him to grow to be a professional teacher in cybersecurity, Cisco networking, DevNet, and extra—remodeling his life and galvanizing others.
On this Worldwide Day of Studying, we rejoice 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 thousands and thousands of people worldwide.
No subject modifications quicker 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 resembling 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 staff 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 neighborhood. Over time, it’ll 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 abilities that might 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 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 meaning 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 now 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 figuring out learn how to code or safe a community.
Cisco Networking Academy now provides programs resembling 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 via studying paths resembling 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 world 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 considered one of Italy’s prime Academy Assist Facilities and serving as a world ambassador amongst instructors.
As we rejoice the Worldwide Day of Studying, we invite you to hitch this world 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 instructing know-how; we’re powering the desires of thousands and thousands.
Comfortable Worldwide Day of Studying!
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