Empowering students through technology: How LIFT is paving new learning pathways in rural communities

[ad_1] Within the coronary heart of rural Illinois, a transformative academic initiative is making waves. Leaders Innovating for Tomorrow (LIFT) is reshaping the long run for college students within the Mattoon Neighborhood Unit Faculty District #2 and past. By harnessing the ability of Cisco expertise, LIFT is providing college students hands-on studying experiences that put together them for thrilling, non-traditional profession paths.

A New Mannequin for Profession and Technical Schooling <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-480669" src="https://blogs.cisco.com/gcs/ciscoblogs/1/2025/10/DSC_1912-1024x683.jpeg" alt="Image of computer lab equipped with Webex technology" width="408" height="272" srcset="https://blogs.cisco.com/gcs/ciscoblogs/1/2025/10/DSC_1912-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://blogs.cisco.com/gcs/ciscoblogs/1/2025/10/DSC_1912-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://blogs.cisco.com/gcs/ciscoblogs/1/2025/10/DSC_1912-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://blogs.cisco.com/gcs/ciscoblogs/1/2025/10/DSC_1912-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://blogs.cisco.com/gcs/ciscoblogs/1/2025/10/DSC_1912-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 408px) 100vw, 408px"/> College students be taught Cisco networking expertise via hands-on studying. LIFT affords a wide range of profession and technical training (CTE) packages – from IT to HVAC to culinary arts. The choices are as numerous as the scholars’ pursuits. With 101 completely different programs throughout seven pathways, every targeted on a selected profession area, LIFT caters to highschool juniors and seniors in as much as 28 districts.

Situated in a purpose-built facility, LIFT equips college students with high-demand abilities that put together them for the long run. This system boasts a outstanding statistic: 94% of its highschool graduates enroll in postsecondary training, superior coaching, navy service, or employment inside the yr following commencement.

Overcoming Challenges with Progressive Options Confronted with the problem of standardizing IT infrastructure and supporting an modern curriculum, the LIFT workforce turned to Cisco applied sciences. Implementing options corresponding to Catalyst Switches, Webex, Meraki Sensible Cameras, and Safe Firewall, they created a seamless and safe studying setting. This complete setup facilitates collaboration and connectivity, making certain that each college students and college can concentrate on what issues most – training.

Along with expertise, LIFT college students are making a tangible affect in their communities. In simply the final yr, 254 service initiatives have been accomplished, and college students participated in 201 lively management alternatives, demonstrating their dedication to enhancing the college and the area.

Reworking the Academic Panorama <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-480674" src="https://blogs.cisco.com/gcs/ciscoblogs/1/2025/10/DSC_1918-1024x683.jpeg" alt="Image of classroom equipped with technology." width="375" height="250" srcset="https://blogs.cisco.com/gcs/ciscoblogs/1/2025/10/DSC_1918-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://blogs.cisco.com/gcs/ciscoblogs/1/2025/10/DSC_1918-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://blogs.cisco.com/gcs/ciscoblogs/1/2025/10/DSC_1918-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://blogs.cisco.com/gcs/ciscoblogs/1/2025/10/DSC_1918-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://blogs.cisco.com/gcs/ciscoblogs/1/2025/10/DSC_1918-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 375px) 100vw, 375px"/> LIFT lecture rooms are outfitted with Catalyst Switches, Meraki Sensible Cameras, and different state-of-the-art studying gear. “We don’t have a conventional classroom setting,” explains Aaron Ramsey, IT Program Facilitator. “It’s extra like a workshop mannequin, with pockets of scholars engaged on various things.” This shift from typical strategies to a self-directed, hands-on studying mannequin permits college students to focus on sensible abilities, getting ready them for each greater training and the workforce.

By this modern method, college students earned 452 certifications, credentials, and twin credit final yr, positioning them forward of the curve in at present’s aggressive job market.

Instructing IT By a Abilities-to-Jobs Program Ramsey has reimagined IT instruction by emphasizing real-world purposes over conventional homework and checks. By organising a state-of-the-art server lab with Cisco {hardware}, college students achieve priceless expertise and business certifications via Cisco Networking Academy programs.

Of the scholars who've taken a Cisco Networking Academy course at LIFT prior to now three years, three have earned CCNA certifications, seven have earned JavaScript certifications via Networking Academy’s companion programs, and 4 have accomplished the IT Necessities course, incomes its credential. One scholar additionally efficiently handed the Safety+ examination, turning into the primary in this system to take and obtain the certification.

Ramsey proudly notes, “100% of our college students even have clear plans for his or her subsequent steps after highschool.”

Bridging the Hole: Connecting College students Inside and Outdoors Lecture rooms <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-480667 alignright" src="https://blogs.cisco.com/gcs/ciscoblogs/1/2025/10/DSC_1897-683x1024.jpeg" alt="" width="287" height="430" srcset="https://blogs.cisco.com/gcs/ciscoblogs/1/2025/10/DSC_1897-200x300.jpeg 200w, https://blogs.cisco.com/gcs/ciscoblogs/1/2025/10/DSC_1897-683x1024.jpeg 683w, https://blogs.cisco.com/gcs/ciscoblogs/1/2025/10/DSC_1897-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https://blogs.cisco.com/gcs/ciscoblogs/1/2025/10/DSC_1897-1024x1536.jpeg 1024w, https://blogs.cisco.com/gcs/ciscoblogs/1/2025/10/DSC_1897-scaled.jpeg 1707w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 287px) 100vw, 287px"/>Webex expertise has turn into a cornerstone of LIFT’s collaborative setting, enabling college students to attach with potential employers, attend digital conferences, and execute group initiatives. Ramsey remembers a scholar initiative to supply rural communities with free Wi-Fi, noting that “it was a ardour mission, and Webex gear allowed her to get on convention calls and facilitate the method.”

LIFT additionally takes an annual journey to Cisco’s Chicago workplaces, the place college students spend a complete day partaking with Cisco staff. From profession panels to interactive actions and open boards, this expertise gives a priceless glimpse into city skilled environments and evokes college students to broaden their horizons.

Charting a Pathway to a Brighter Future By modern use of Cisco expertise, LIFT is reworking training for rural college students, offering them with the talents and experiences essential to thrive in at present’s digital workforce. As Ramsey places it, “Combining Cisco Community Academy coaching with the very best Cisco gear helps our college students keep on prime of present traits and applied sciences.”