Trials and demos
How to buy

Where Legends are Made

Great thinkers aren't limited to ancient Greece but are thriving as our alums. Compete now in the Cisco-Athlon.

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?

Nominations open May 2

Rise Above award criteria

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.

lightbox-rise-above-award

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.

lightbox-future-leader-award-criteria

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.

Nominations open May 2

Social Visionary award criteria

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.

Nominations open May 2

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.

See names and faces

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)
View full terms and conditions (PDF)

Nominations are open to Networking Academy alumni who are professionals and entrepreneurs (for profit or not-for-profit).

Who judges are looking for

Someone who has courageously been a catalyst for change. A person who chooses not to always play by the rules but to inspire new thinking and action. Candidates must:

  • Describe how they refocused, repackaged, or channeled a product or initiative to be more successful—and its subsequent impact.
  • Highlight the kind of resistance they were up against and how they overcame opposition.
  • Explain why they were motivated to act and change the status quo or seek a less obvious course.

Nominations are open to Networking Academy alumni who are academics, professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners.

Who judges are looking for

Someone who has demonstrated perseverance over hardship. A person who has "bucked the odds" of a high probability of defeat to accomplish their goals. Candidates must:

  • Show a series of challenges that they overcame.
  • Possess a belief and positive attitude toward meeting their goals to:
    • Better themselves.
    • Better their life trajectory.
    • Improve their family living conditions (poverty, violence, or oppression).

Nominations are open to Networking Academy alumni with less than three years of professional experience.

Who judges are looking for

Someone who is action-oriented and thrives on being part of something bigger than themselves. A person who takes pride in meeting and exceeding expectations. Candidates must:

  • Show success in the first few years of their careers.
  • Explain how they have become a strong and thoughtful contributor to their teams.
  • Share an example of demonstrated leadership—and the impact of their leadership.

Nominations are open to Networking Academy alumni who are trained to be cybersecurity professionals.

Who judges are looking for

Someone who is courageous. A person who implements, monitors or blocks attacks to security measures. Candidates must:

  • Characterize personal traits that align well with the field of cybersecurity.
  • Share one to three heroic acts to block, thwart, or prevent a cyber-attack or crime.
  • Describe which heroic act brought home the reality and the importance of what they do.

Nominations are open to Networking Academy alumni who are academics, professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business operators.

Who judges are looking for

Someone who embodies the spirit of inclusion and a passion for technology. A person who intentionally uses their ideas and resources for good. Candidates must:

  • Share what motivated them to pursue tech and channel their skills for social change.
  • Describe up to three instances where their ideas and actions have led to beneficial impact.
  • Provide measurable evidence of the impact described above.
  • Highlight what they hope their legacy will be.