Tare once worked as a plumber in South Africa’s Western Cape and saw limited opportunities for economic advancement. After a chance meeting with a senior leader at the not-for-profit Digital Skills Africa, he received a second-hand laptop and began studying cybersecurity through Cisco Networking Academy. Showing exceptional perseverance, Tare’s studies eventually led him to become a qualified instructor in cybersecurity, Cisco networking, DevNet, and more—transforming his life and inspiring others.

On this International Day of Learning, we celebrate the transformative power of education. At Cisco, we believe that learning is the bridge to opportunity. For nearly three decades, the Cisco Networking Academy has been the architect of that bridge for millions of individuals worldwide.

No field changes faster than technology. If we wish to continue to provide life-changing opportunities, we too must change. In addition to core networking and cybersecurity skills, our Cisco Networking Academy learning portfolio now includes courses in in-demand areas such as business communications, data science, Python, and AI.

It’s also why, just over a year ago, we brought Cisco Networking Academy, Cisco U., and Learning & Certifications together into one team called Learn with Cisco. That’s allowed us to add even more advanced material into Cisco Networking Academy courses and create stronger ties throughout the Cisco community. Over time, it will help us continue to strengthen the powerhouse that is Cisco Networking Academy.

As we look back on fiscal year 2026, I am incredibly proud to share that Cisco Networking Academy has reached 28 million students. This is more than just a statistic; it represents 28 million lives united by a singular, powerful ambition: the dream of changing their circumstances and succeeding in a digital world.

A legacy of innovation

In 1997, Cisco recognized a global need for qualified IT professionals. And we saw a global hunger for the skills that would enable millions to obtain and thrive in family- and community-supporting jobs in the IT industry.

Cisco Networking Academy started small, with 64 educational institutions across seven U.S. states. Since then, the program has evolved as technology has changed and as students have demanded more accessible ways to learn—whether that means career changers, students, or simply those who refused to be left behind.

In the last two years, Cisco—and the technology industry as a whole—have embraced what may be our biggest challenge yet: artificial intelligence.

AI is no longer a niche specialization; it is a foundational skill for the future. We now treat AI literacy just as we did networking and cybersecurity: as a baseline competency. Understanding AI concepts, tools, and responsible use is now as essential as knowing how to code or secure a network.

Cisco Networking Academy now offers courses such as Introduction to Modern AI, as well as an entire series to help students and professionals use AI in their daily lives. Students can continue this learning progression through learning paths such as those supporting the Cisco AI Business Practitioner (AIBIZ) badge and the Cisco AI Technical Practitioner (AITECH) certification.

Our commitment to inclusivity

Cisco Networking Academy is distinguished by its inclusivity. The program is free, hands-on, and requires no prerequisites for foundational courses. These courses provide a gateway to deeper learning, enabling students to advance to intermediate and expert levels and earn highly respected industry certifications.

This commitment to impact is powerfully illustrated in the global NetAcad video testimonial we are launching today. In addition to Tare’s story, we highlight that of Maurizio, an instructor who has dedicated 20 years to the Cisco Networking Academy program, leading one of Italy’s top Academy Support Centers and serving as a global ambassador among instructors.

As we celebrate the International Day of Learning, we invite you to join this global community. Whether you are starting from scratch or looking to lead in the age of AI, the door is open. Together, we are doing more than teaching technology; we are powering the dreams of millions.

Happy International Day of Learning!

 

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