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The closing ceremony was just the beginning

Cisco’s programme of educational investment will be a major 2012 legacy

Monday 22 October 2012 11:14 BST
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Children use iPads in
Children use iPads in

Looking back, we all got to share some special moments from the Olympics and Paralympics this summer. From world records and personal bests, to heroic performances and the amazing success of the whole British team.

However Cisco believes we should also be looking forward, ensuring that those with medals aren’t the only winners from London 2012. It’s one of the reasons why Cisco’s involvement didn’t end when the Olympic flame went out.

As the Olympics and Paralympics’ official network infrastructure supporter, Cisco is helping to develop a sustainable legacy with initiatives that light up opportunities in the very communities where the games took place.

Results-driven training

Cisco’s commitment to London 2012 means it already supports a number of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) initiatives, including the Cisco Networking Academies. Their aim is to fill the huge need for ITC and networking professionals by giving students a head start for entry-level jobs, a chance to pursue further training and the opportunity to earn globally recognised qualifications.

Bringing it home

With the ambition of building for tomorrow by investing today, Cisco have just introduced a further 30 Network Academy programmes into the host boroughs’ schools and colleges, helping to establish East London as a European technology hub.

However such programmes aren’t just reserved for traditional schools, colleges and universities.

To ensure the widest possible benefit, Cisco also run academies in community and homeless shelters, football clubs, military bases and even prisons. As Cisco see it, not everyone can be a world-beater but with a little help and encouragement, we’re all capable of so much more.

Supporting more than just the games

The spectacle of this summer’s games will live long in the memory. And thanks to educational investment from companies like Cisco, they’ll also be remembered for their positive impact on local communities too. For the athletes the hard work is over. For Cisco it’s only just beginning.

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