Within the coronary heart of rural Illinois, a transformative instructional initiative is making waves. Leaders Innovating for Tomorrow (LIFT) is reshaping the longer term for college kids 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
LIFT affords a wide range of profession and technical training (CTE) packages – from IT to HVAC to culinary arts. The choices are as various as the scholars’ pursuits. With 101 totally different programs throughout seven pathways, every centered on a particular profession subject, LIFT caters to highschool juniors and seniors in as much as 28 districts.
Positioned in a purpose-built facility, LIFT equips college students with high-demand expertise that put together them for the longer term. This system boasts a outstanding statistic: 94% of its highschool graduates enroll in postsecondary training, superior coaching, navy service, or employment throughout the 12 months following commencement.
Overcoming Challenges with Progressive Options
Confronted with the problem of standardizing IT infrastructure and supporting an modern curriculum, the LIFT staff turned to Cisco applied sciences. Implementing options comparable to Catalyst Switches, Webex, Meraki Good Cameras, and Safe Firewall, they created a seamless and safe studying setting. This complete setup facilitates collaboration and connectivity, guaranteeing that each college students and school can give attention to what issues most – training.
Along with expertise, LIFT college students are making a tangible affect in their communities. In simply the final 12 months, 254 service initiatives had been accomplished, and college students participated in 201 lively management alternatives, demonstrating their dedication to enhancing the college and the area.
Reworking the Instructional Panorama
“We don’t have a standard 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 expertise, making ready them for each increased training and the workforce.
By means of this modern strategy, college students earned 452 certifications, credentials, and twin credit final 12 months, positioning them forward of the curve in at present’s aggressive job market.
Educating IT By means of a Expertise-to-Jobs Program
Ramsey has reimagined IT instruction by emphasizing real-world purposes over conventional homework and assessments. By establishing a state-of-the-art server lab with Cisco {hardware}, college students achieve useful expertise and trade certifications by 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 by Networking Academy’s companion programs, and 4 have accomplished the IT Necessities course, incomes its credential. One scholar additionally efficiently handed the Safety+ examination, changing 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 Exterior Lecture rooms
Webex expertise has turn out to be a cornerstone of LIFT’s collaborative setting, enabling college students to attach with potential employers, attend digital conferences, and execute neighborhood initiatives. Ramsey recollects a scholar initiative to supply rural communities with free Wi-Fi, noting that “it was a ardour undertaking, and Webex gear allowed her to get on convention calls and facilitate the method.”
LIFT additionally takes an annual journey to Cisco’s Chicago places of work, the place college students spend a complete day participating with Cisco staff. From profession panels to interactive actions and open boards, this expertise offers a useful glimpse into city skilled environments and evokes college students to broaden their horizons.
Charting a Pathway to a Brighter Future
By means of modern use of Cisco expertise, LIFT is remodeling 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 most effective Cisco gear helps our college students keep on high of present tendencies and applied sciences.”
In rural Illinois, LIFT isn’t just a program – it’s a pathway to a brighter future.
