The digital transformation is not coming, it’s here. Online shopping. Telehealth visits. Staying connected with distant relatives through video calls. AI chatbots as digital assistants. Our daily activities rely on the digital infrastructure that networking, IT, and cybersecurity professionals maintain, and the landscape is evolving rapidly.
As technology evolves, need for digital skills in the workplace grows with it. Today, about in the U.S. require digital skills. Understanding information technology is no longer optional, it's essential.
Keeping up with these dynamic changes in industry puts pressure on educators. This is where programs, like Cisco Networking Academy, help connect education with industry and provide you, as an educator, with support and resources you can use in the classroom.
Building an inclusive future for all
Since 1997, Cisco Networking Academy has been transforming the lives of learners, educators, and communities through the power of technology, education, and career opportunities.
Considered one of the longest-running IT skills-to-jobs programs in the world, Cisco Networking Academy offers technology education through public-private partnerships, high-quality curriculum, and inclusive workforce development programs. Cisco Networking Academy offers industry-leading curriculum developed by subject matter experts and learning scientists, in partnership with high schools, vocational colleges, universities, and nonprofits worldwide to enrich their programs and services.
What’s in it for your students?
Students today. Professionals tomorrow. Cisco Networking Academy gives people the opportunity to learn and develop skills that prepare them for careers. By creating an account, your students can access:
- Learning materials: Technology skills come to life with self-paced and instructor-led courses designed with the end in mind – the skills to get a job. From networking and cybersecurity to digital literacy and AI, these courses help students build skills for career success.
- Preparation for certifications: Students can validate the skills they’ve learned and enhance their resume with industry-recognized certifications. The Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) certification program includes exams in cybersecurity, networking, and IT support. Students seeking additional credentials can also explore the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) programs.
- Job readiness: Your students are confident in the classroom. But are they ready for the workplace? Cisco helps them navigate the job market with career prep workshops on resume building, job interview skills, and more. Plus, they can find relevant job opportunities with job matching engines, such as curated job boards from Indeed.
- Global community: Students can become part of a worldwide community of learners, ranging from entry-to-expert, through the Cisco Learning Network.
Students can gain a lot. But they’re not the only ones who benefit.
What’s in it for you?
Cisco understands that closing the skills gap starts in the classroom. You need support and up-to-date resources to prepare students for tomorrow’s workforce. As part of Cisco Networking Academy, you can access :
- Teaching resources: Teaching a new course and need content? Or maybe you want to refresh your projects? Cisco offers over 60 pre-built courses licensed to educators at no cost, plus teaching tools, resources, and support.
- Practice tools and labs: Give your students a chance to practice what you teach. Labs and hands-on activities are an important part of the Cisco Networking Academy learning experience, and many courses incorporate hardware and software so that students gain real, practical skills. Short on resources? Cisco Packet Tracer offers simulated lab experiences to practice networking, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cybersecurity skills, no hardware required.
- Instructor professional development: Technology keeps changing. That means you are constantly learning. Cisco Networking Academy has a global community of educators that gather virtually for quarterly professional development sessions hosted by subject matter experts. You also get access to past sessions on everything from AI to ethical hacking to the power of certification. Prefer in-person support? Find Academy Support Centers (ASC) and Instructor Training Centers (ITC) in your area.
- Research reports for educators: Cisco’s latest shows the impact of Generative AI on entry-level job roles, and gives educators practical knowledge and resources to prepare students ready for this dynamic job landscape.
What’s next?
With Cisco Networking Academy, you can ensure your students are prepared not just to take part in the rapidly changing digital world, but to shape, build, and secure it. A great first step for entry-level learners is CCST courses and certifications. Cyber is one of the most in-demand and fastest-growing career fields. And as organizations across the globe prioritize cybersecurity, the CCST Cybersecurity certification helps students validate skills in network security, threat management, and incident response. No prior experience is required.
Earning this certification prepares students for job roles such as Junior Cybersecurity Analyst, Cybersecurity Technician, or Tier 1 Help Desk, providing a stepping-stone toward a promising career in cybersecurity.
Learn more about Cisco Certified Support Technician at certiport.com/cisco.