Four middle school and four high school students represented Baldwin Park High School, Sierra Vista High School, Baldwin Park STEM Academy, and Sierra Vista Middle School at the Cisco Meraki K-12 Innovation Summit. The experience brought together students and educators from several school districts to explore technology, innovation and career opportunities.
The trip gave BPUSD students an opportunity to experience a leading technology workplace firsthand while learning more about the skills, certifications, and experiences that can prepare them for careers in information technology.
“We are grateful for partnerships that allow our students to step outside of their classroom, connect with industry professionals, and see firsthand the highly successful careers and opportunities that can await them. These experiences help our students envision what is possible and understand that those pathways are within their reach,” Superintendent Dr. Froilan N. Mendoza said.
During their visit to Cisco Meraki, students participated in a hands-on lab where they configured a router, camera, and wireless access point. They also learned about the Cisco Networking Academy and its certification pathways, which can help students develop industry-relevant networking and technology skills.
Students connected with former Cisco Networking Academy participants who now work at Cisco Meraki and heard about their journeys from the classroom into professional technology careers.
The summit also included workshops focused on cybersecurity, personal growth and problem-solving.
“Thank you so much for giving the kids the opportunity to experience such an amazing field trip,” one BPUSD parent shared following the trip. “He was so excited to experience something outside of the classroom. I know this is something he’ll remember for a long time.”
Students were joined by Superintendent Dr. Mendoza and District administrators Dr. Angela Salazar, Rick Hassler, Sherry de Leon-Barrios and Norma Verdugo; Sierra Vista High School Assistant Principal Stacey Merrick; Baldwin Park STEM Academy teacher Thomas Lau; and Baldwin Park High School Cisco and Drones teacher Carlos Renteria.
Students also had opportunities to interact with participants from other school districts, including Upland Unified School District, Claremont Unified School District, and Mountain View Los Altos High School District.
Cisco Meraki sponsored the cost of the experience for participating BPUSD students and staff, including round-trip flights to San Francisco, meals, and local transportation. The summit overall was sponsored by Cisco and industry partners including Veritas, Blue Violet, ProSolve, Proficio, Samsung, NWN Carousel, Genea and Facilitron.
Photos
2026 BPUSD Cisco Meraki Trip