Due to an expanded partnership, the Cisco Networking Academy skills-to-job program called Skills for All will be available to all residents in North Dakota, according to the office of Gov. Doug Burgum.

North Dakota is the first state to provide these courses statewide at no cost to all residents, according to the governor. The Cisco Networking Academy Skills for All program provides free, quality, mobile, self-paced, online learning aligned to industry jobs, providing a pathway to a career in technology. There are numerous courses, badging and industry certifications available, with an emphasis on cybersecurity, along with coding, networking essentials, Internet of Things (IoT) and other technology-focused courses.

“This statewide program will greatly benefit the people of North Dakota by providing opportunities to acquire best-in-class skills in highly sought after, in-demand and growing professions,” Burgum said. “Skills for All provides North Dakota residents from all backgrounds and experiences the opportunity to obtain 21st century skills and help our state build a strong and competitive workforce.”

EduTech, a division of North Dakota’s Information Technology Department devoted to PK-12 educational technology and citizen outreach through the PK-20W Initiative, already offers Cisco Networking Academy courses free of charge, including to tribal nations. The Skills for All program expands the number of courses offered from seven to almost 25, and new course modules are continually being added.

A list of courses and more information can be found at: https://www.edutech.nodak.edu/ndcitizenskillsforall/.

North Dakota’s expansion of Cisco Networking Academy Skills for All is part of an overarching statewide initiative, dubbed PK-20W, to reflect the education continuum of pre-kindergarten through doctorate programs and the workforce, with a vision of “Every Student. Every School. Cyber Educated.”