The company was one of the main sponsors of London 2012 and ran a CSR scheme as part of its Building a Brilliant Future, which has been running since 2009.
The programme aims to tackle the shortage of STEM skills in the UK, helping young people to develop their knowledge of technology and IT. The innovative approach uses fun and engaging ways to teach core maths and science skills. It led to the company winning the HR Excellence Award for the best use of CSR in 2013.
Thomas Kneen, Cisco's head of business development for its British innovation gateway programme, told HR magazine the Commonwealth Games programme wouldn't differ too much from the Olympic model. "It's on a smaller scale but still very important to us," he said. "We see Glasgow as a very important city in our UK plan so we are keen to get involved there from the games onwards."
Kneen emphasised the advantage these programmes have for employers, such as improved employee engagement among key staff.
"People want to work for companies that reach out to the community and really offer something in terms of developing people skills. A lot more companies are getting into this field now. It is about giving something back but from a selfish point of view they get a lot out of these initiatives," he said.
To enter the HR Excellence Awards for 2014, go to www.hrexcellenceawards.com. The closing date for all applications is 28 March.
