At just 16 years old, Erie High School student Jacob Trujillo has reached a remarkable milestone by passing the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam, a professional achievement that typically takes college students 18 to 24 months to complete. Trujillo dedicated his summer to an intensive three-month block of coursework, and by the second day of his junior year, he had already earned the advanced certification along with one elective credit. His accomplishment not only reflects exceptional skill and determination, but also sets him apart as one of the youngest to achieve this level of success as most who take the exam have already started college.
Rather than being intimidated by the challenge, Trujillo turned preparation into a personal passion. Over the past summer, he dedicated three to four hours a day to studying with videos, labs, and quizzes, filling a notebook by hand to master the material. “Even flashcards became a game for me – I reviewed almost 200 a day,” he said. “It was a huge undertaking, but I quickly learned to stop doubting myself.”
Trujillo is the first St. Vrain Valley Schools student to earn the CCNA, an achievement made possible through Opportunity CLIMB, a program funded in part by Colorado’s Opportunity Now Grant. The initiative rewards competency rather than time spent in the classroom, while also covering exam costs and providing mentorship, resume workshops, and networking support. “It’s both technical and professional development – you learn how to get a job, not just how to pass a test,” Trujillo said.
According to Jorge Cisneros, an Opportunity CLIMB facilitator, “Jacob showed what’s possible when passion drives learning.” Trujillo’s achievement embodies the purpose of the Opportunity CLIMB program and highlights a central pillar of the St. Vrain Advantage – ensuring every student has the chance to excel. Opportunity CLIMB program coordinator Eryn Mercer-Niehues emphasized that St. Vrain’s innovative approach continues to create new pathways for student success. “Programs like Opportunity CLIMB open doors for students to reach levels they may never have imagined possible,” she said.
Looking ahead, Trujillo plans to attend Front Range Community College to continue a certification-driven pathway into technology, while expanding into security certifications. His accomplishment not only reflects his own dedication but also underscores how the right blend of mentorship and opportunity can accelerate student success. As more learners follow in his footsteps, Trujillo’s story serves as a reminder of the transformative impact of investing in students’ passions and future careers.