This publish was authored by Alice Sanchez, a Buyer and Companion Expertise software program architect and world co-lead of Cisco’s Native American Community (NAN).

As I stood on the campus of Lac Courtroom Oreille Ojibwe College (LCOOU), I used to be full of satisfaction to be representing not simply Cisco but in addition the Native/Indigenous group. I used to be there for the signing of a brand new partnership to help the college and its college students, enabled by Scholar Freedom Initiative (SFI) and Cisco.

Collaborating on this occasion was significant to me for 2 causes. First, as a result of illustration issues. I used to be representing my heritage—Pomo, Hawaiian, and Choctaw—in addition to the broader Native/Indigenous group. Second—and no much less necessary—due to the best way Cisco’s funding will profit Native/Indigenous college students.

Increasing to Assist Tribal Schools
In 2021, Cisco introduced our partnership with SFI, a nonprofit that helps college students attending minority-serving establishments. As a part of this partnership, Cisco funded a $50 million endowment for juniors and seniors pursuing STEM schooling at Traditionally Black Schools and Universities (HBCUs). The funding was a part of $150 million dedication to HBCUs by Cisco’s social justice initiative. Our inaugural work with HBCUs created a blueprint that’s now increasing to different minority-serving establishments, and LCOOU is the primary tribal school beneficiary.

“Bridging the digital divide for Native/Indigenous communities is paramount for

serving to them obtain sovereignty for themselves and future generations.”

Supporting College students Past Monetary Wants
LCOOU now has entry to a mortgage program for juniors and seniors in STEM, however the partnership with LCOOU goes past {dollars}. It additionally consists of know-how modernization and entry to the Cisco Networking Academy.

Cybersecurity Compliance
A part of the settlement consists of making certain LCOOU can meet necessary cybersecurity requirements.

Cisco companion, Procellis, was engaged to conduct an evaluation required by the Nationwide Institute of Requirements and Expertise. Schools and universities should be in compliance with greater than 100 safety controls to proceed receiving federal support underneath Title IV. Cisco’s donation of safety services and products will assist LCOOU obtain and preserve cybersecurity compliance.

For minority-serving establishments like LCOOU, defending federal funding by know-how compliance is crucial.

Cisco Networking Academy
Cisco can be working with LCOOU to put a Networking Academy on the college. The college will be capable to embody Community Academy curriculum in its laptop science program. Because of this, college students can graduate with a level in addition to industry-recognized certification.

Supporting Native/Indigenous Communities
I’m happy with the efforts that Cisco has made not simply to listening to Indigenous voices, but in addition supporting and empowering us. Our work with LCOOU is one instance, however there are such a lot of extra.

For instance, I’m co-lead of our Native American Community (NAN), one among our worker useful resource organizations. Cisco is the primary firm I’ve labored at that has a Native American community. We’re a small group—Native Individuals make up lower than 1% of Cisco’s worker base. NAN provides us a car to have a good time our tradition and make a contribution to the Native/Indigenous group. We’re additionally in a position to construct bridges between our firm and Native communities, lots of which don’t belief massive corporations, and might profit from know-how.

I’m happy with Cisco’s goal to energy an inclusive future for all and dedication to making sure minority-serving establishments like LCOOU have entry to know-how, providers and infrastructure. Bridging the digital divide for Native/Indigenous communities is paramount for serving to them obtain sovereignty for themselves and future generations.

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