Where Legends are Made
Great thinkers aren’t limited to ancient Greece but are thriving as our alums. Compete now in the Cisco-Athlon.
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One epic competition—5 awards
You’ve trained for this moment since taking your first Networking Academy course. Show the world the benefits of your hard work and discipline. Nominate yourself for one of these five awards.
Changemaker award
Inspires new thinking and action
Recognizes an individual who looks past the obvious to discover what’s possible. Someone who is grounded with fresh thoughts and ideas and delivers exciting technology-enabled changes to the status quo. A visionary who asks: What's new? What's next? What's better?
Rise Above award
Overcomes adversity through perseverance
Honors an individual who believes "going the distance" is never an option, but a mantra. They have shown amazing perseverance to get from here (personally) to there (professionally). Meeting challenges head-on, overcoming hardship and adversity, and emerging as an inspirational individual.
Future Leader award
Demonstrates early leadership
Recognizes an early-career technologist launching their career while making a splash in the digital arena. Already becoming a significant contributor to their team and organization, demonstrating leadership beyond their experience. Making them an incredible role model.
Protector award
Defends our digital-world
Honors a true next-generation professional. One who steps up and protects our digital world from the escalating effects of cybercrime. No bad actor is too smart for them to stand up against. No challenge is too difficult. They thrive in the realm of preservation.
Social Visionary award
Imagines no digital divide
Celebrates a visionary whose equitable perspectives are driving real change. They use their technological expertise to forge new inroads where dead ends have existed. Believing the expedition toward digital empowerment shouldn’t be a leap but a step for all.
What winners will receive
Award winners will receive a Cisco-engraved champion gold medal and prizes that support the runner in all of us: Apple AirPods, Revo sports sunglasses, an iconic Nike Legacy 91 cap, and a key chain. Plus, one champion will be awarded the Break Free prize.
The Break Free prize
Judges will pick just one champion who showed amazing determination while venturing beyond their lane to reach new heights.
This lucky winner will receive a three-day trip to New York City with an Ultimate VIP ticket to the Global Citizens Festival in Central Park. The festival, meant to inspire action to end poverty, offers an incredible artist lineup and a great opportunity for our chosen alum to mingle backstage with Cisco executives.
Key dates
Call for nominations
Nominations officially open May 2, 2024.
Nominations close
All nominations must be received by 10:00 p.m. Pacific on May 23, 2024.
Award winners honored
Five champions will be announced on June 27, 2024.
Meet the judges
There would be no Cisco-Athlon competition without an expert judging panel. See their names and faces now.
Terms and conditions
- To be considered, candidates must have completed at least two Networking Academy courses. One course must be a career course like CCNA or Security.
- Candidates must submit a nomination questionnaire during the call for nominations period from May 2 through May 23, 2024.
- Candidates must also provide two high-resolution images of themselves against two different backgrounds.
- Candidates must sign a publicity release and be agreeable to attend the virtual Awards Event, June 27, 2024. Candidates must also be available on September 27-29, 2024, for the Global Citizens Festival if chosen as our Break Free prize recipient.
Judge weighting
Judges will score candidates based on the following criteria up to 70 allowable points.
- Candidate's questionnaire was clear and easy to understand. (5 points)
- Candidate described the pivotal role Networking Academy played toward their career. (10 points)
- Candidate selected one Greek philosopher quote and explained how they can relate. (10 points)
- Candidate provided specific details, examples—and examples of impact where asked in the essays that align to an Award Category. (45 points)