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 kids within the Mattoon Group 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 Training
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 particular profession discipline, 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 abilities that put together them for the long run. This system boasts a exceptional statistic: 94% of its highschool graduates enroll in postsecondary training, superior coaching, army service, or employment throughout the yr following commencement.
Overcoming Challenges with Modern Options
Confronted with the problem of standardizing IT infrastructure and supporting an progressive curriculum, the LIFT group 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 college can deal with what issues most – training.
Along with expertise, LIFT college students are making a tangible impression in their communities. In simply the final yr, 254 service tasks have 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 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.
Via this progressive strategy, college students earned 452 certifications, credentials, and twin credit final yr, positioning them forward of the curve in at this time’s aggressive job market.
Educating IT Via a Abilities-to-Jobs Program
Ramsey has reimagined IT instruction by emphasizing real-world functions over conventional homework and exams. By establishing a state-of-the-art server lab with Cisco {hardware}, college students achieve beneficial expertise and business 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 pupil 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 tasks. Ramsey recollects a pupil initiative to supply rural communities with free Wi-Fi, noting that “it was a ardour challenge, and Webex tools 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 workers. From profession panels to interactive actions and open boards, this expertise gives a beneficial glimpse into city skilled environments and conjures up college students to broaden their horizons.
Charting a Pathway to a Brighter Future
Via progressive use of Cisco expertise, LIFT is remodeling training for rural college students, offering them with the abilities and experiences essential to thrive in at this time’s digital workforce. As Ramsey places it, “Combining Cisco Community Academy coaching with the perfect Cisco tools helps our college students keep on prime of present tendencies and applied sciences.”
In rural Illinois, LIFT is not only a program – it’s a pathway to a brighter future.