NetApp awarded the National Football League its Customer Social Impact Award at the INSIGHT 2026 conference, recognizing the league’s Inspire Change initiative to expand access to high-growth career fields in historically underrepresented communities. Alongside the honor, the intelligent data infrastructure company announced a grant supporting Per Scholas and its tuition-free training program, “Cybersecurity with AI Tools.”
Expanding Technical Pathways Through Inspire Change
The National Football League has supported Per Scholas through Inspire Change since 2020 to break down barriers and build economic mobility across the United States. Since then, the league has partnered with organizations like Per Scholas to close technical skills gaps for thousands of learners. The newly funded partnership bridges workforce development with artificial intelligence and cybersecurity training, responding directly to shifting employer demands in the tech sector.
“With ‘Inspire Change,’ has the NFL committed to utilizing our platform to dismantle barriers and forge meaningful opportunities in communities nationwide,” said Anna Isaacson, Senior Vice President for Social Responsibility at the NFL. “We are thrilled that a partner like NetApp can further expand access for Per Scholas learners, particularly regarding the in-demand competencies that pave the way for long-term professional careers and economic advancement.”
Bridging the Cybersecurity and AI Skills Gap
Artificial intelligence continues to transform workplace dynamics faster than traditional workforce development systems can adapt. To address this mismatch, the curriculum pairs cybersecurity fundamentals with hands-on AI tools, ensuring graduates possess the technical acumen and professional judgment required by enterprise employers.
“Artificial intelligence is transforming the workforce faster than traditional workforce development systems can adapt, which is why hands-on, employer-aligned training is more crucial than ever,” said Caitlyn Brazill, President of Per Scholas. “This partnership with NetApp will help more learners develop the technical skills, professional judgment, and confidence they need to launch careers in cybersecurity and AI—creating lasting economic mobility.”
César Cernuda, President of NetApp, emphasized the necessity of protecting enterprise data as artificial intelligence reshapes every major industry. “As artificial intelligence fundamentally alters every industry, businesses require professionals who know how to safeguard, secure, and unlock the value of data,” Cernuda stated. “Through our partnership with Per Scholas, we are helping to open new pathways into professions that strengthen the future workforce while fostering the expertise in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence that organizations require to proactively detect threats, protect critical data, and recover securely.”
Recognition at NetApp INSIGHT 2026
The presentation of the Customer Social Impact Award for Data and AI Empowerment took place during NetApp INSIGHT 2026, the company’s premier customer event. The category highlights organizations using technology to broaden access to data and artificial intelligence education. Additional details regarding corporate social responsibility initiatives are available via NetApp.
