Celebrating Cisco Networking Academy’s Global Impact and 25th Anniversary Achievements

Reflecting on an extraordinary year at Cisco Networking Academy, we take pride in our long-standing impact as one of the world’s most established IT skills-to-jobs programs. Aligned with Cisco’s vision to create an inclusive digital future, we continue to make a difference by bridging digital gaps and empowering underrepresented communities through education and technology. Our achievements are rooted in strong collaborations with governments, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations, all working together to expand opportunities in the digital economy.

Marking our 25th anniversary in fiscal 2023, we set an ambitious goal to equip 25 million individuals with digital and cybersecurity skills by fiscal 2032. By fiscal 2024, we have already trained 7.7 million students worldwide, making significant progress toward our goal and reinforcing our dedication to a more inclusive digital world.

The success of Cisco Networking Academy would not be possible without our dedicated partners. These organizations, spanning both public and private sectors, play a crucial role in delivering our programs globally. Their dedication, along with the commitment of instructors and students, demonstrates that our program is about more than numbers—it is about making a meaningful impact through education.

Recognizing Achievements Across the Globe
Each year, we come together at the Annual Cisco Networking Academy Conferences to celebrate the accomplishments of our partners. These events include the Be the Bridge Awards, which recognize outstanding contributions in categories such as Inclusive Futures, Global Reach, Impacting Lives, Learning Innovation, and Partnerships. The prestigious Golden Bridge Awards are also presented to individuals and institutions that show exceptional dedication to student success in each region.

In 2024, our global tour included three major conferences. The first took place in Peru, bringing together partners from Latin America to highlight the program’s impact and engage with local government representatives. In October, we convened in Paris with European partners to discuss initiatives such as the “Extended Learning for Teachers and Trainers in Higher Education” project, aimed at enhancing teaching methodologies and student engagement. Finally, in November, we celebrated the Middle East and Africa region’s achievements in Dubai, connecting with partners like African Child Academy, which is advancing technology-driven community projects in Tanzania.

These events provided the perfect platform to recognize our partners with the prestigious Golden Bridge Awards. This year’s winners include:

2024 Golden Bridge Award Winners

Furthermore, outstanding partners from 55 countries have received Premier+ and Premier recognition, representing the top 15% of those demonstrating exceptional dedication to student and instructor success.

As we celebrate these remarkable achievements, we invite more individuals and organizations to join our mission. Whether by partnering with us or becoming an educator, your contribution can help shape the diverse and inclusive workforce of the future.

Continuing the Momentum
Beyond recognizing our partners, we are thrilled to share that Cisco Networking Academy has received the Tech & Learning Awards of Excellence: Best of 2024. This honor highlights our program’s innovation, ease of use, and value in supporting educators and students.

With continued dedication, collaboration, and a shared commitment to digital inclusion, we look forward to another impactful year ahead.