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

As I stood on the campus of Lac Court docket Oreille Ojibwe College (LCOOU), I used to be crammed with 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 assist the college and its college students, enabled by Pupil 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 vital—due to the way in which Cisco’s funding will profit Native/Indigenous college students.

Increasing to Help 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 training at Traditionally Black Schools and Universities (HBCUs). The funding was a part of $150 million dedication to HBCUs by means of 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 faculty 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 contains expertise modernization and entry to the Cisco Networking Academy.

Cybersecurity Compliance
A part of the settlement contains making certain LCOOU can meet vital cybersecurity requirements.

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

For minority-serving establishments like LCOOU, defending federal funding by means of expertise compliance is vital.

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

Supporting Native/Indigenous Communities
I’m pleased 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 in every of 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 offers us a car to rejoice our tradition and contribute to the Native/Indigenous group. We’re additionally in a position to construct bridges between our firm and Native communities, a lot of which don’t belief large firms, and may profit from expertise.

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

Share: