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 | Cisco Networking Academy Program Backgrounder |  | |
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Introduction
Cisco Systems, Inc., the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, believes
the Internet is changing the way people work, live, play, and learn. In the education
space, Cisco's vision is to enable the creation of e-learning environments that
transform the way people learn. One example is the Cisco Networking Academy Program,
a comprehensive e-learning program that provides students with the Internet technology
skills essential in a global economy. The Networking Academy program delivers
web-based content, online assessment, student performance tracking, hands-on labs,
instructor training and support, and preparation for industry standard certifications.
History
In 1993, Cisco embarked on an initiative to design practical, cost-effective networks
for schools. It quickly became clear that designing and installing the networks
was not enough. Schools also needed a way to maintain the networks, and the school
staff lacked time and resources. A dedicated Cisco engineer began teaching students
how to maintain the networks. Schools across the United States asked for similar
programs, and in response, Cisco developed a curriculum offered to students as
an elective, which became the foundation for the Networking Academy program. The
program, launched in October 1997, began in 64 educational institutions in seven
states: Arizona, California, Florida, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, and North
Carolina.
The Cisco Networking Academy Program Today
Cisco understands that the Internet enables learning anytime, anywhere for all
students, regardless of location, socioeconomic status, gender, and race. The
Networking Academy program is, therefore, committed to making this opportunity
available to everyone. It partners with organizations around the world, such as
the United Nations Development Program and the World Bank Group to bring this
opportunity to students in underserved communities throughout the world. These
include Least Developed Countries, U.S. federally designated Empowerment Zones,
and Minority-Serving Institutions, which suffer from pervasive poverty and economic
distress. Our goal is to enable, where possible, the education of tomorrow's workers
as they help build the economies of their countries and communities.
The Networking Academy program also reaches out to students in less traditional
learning institutions, including rehabilitation facilities, military bases, workforce
retraining centers, and homeless shelters.
The Academy curriculum offers a variety of IT courses in addition to the flagship
course on designing, maintaining, and building networks in preparation for the
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification. Advanced networking is
available through the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) curriculum,
and since January, 2001, Cisco's course offerings have expanded to include curricula
sponsored by our ecosystem partners. The courses are: Fundamentals of Web Design,
sponsored by Adobe Systems; IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software and IT Essentials:
Network Operating Systems, sponsored by Hewlett-Packard; Fundamentals of Voice
and Data Cabling, sponsored by Panduit; and Fundamentals of UNIX and Fundamentals
of Java, sponsored by Sun Microsystems.
Innovative E-learning
Like Cisco Systems, the Networking Academy program prides itself on continually
raising the bar in its execution. In this program, our focus is on innovative
e-learning and the educational process as a whole.
Collaboration among the Educating Institutions
The Academy program has a three-tiered model for training and support. Cisco Systems
trains the Cisco Academy Training Centers (CATCs), the CATCs train Regional Academies,
and the Regional Academies train the Local Academy instructors who then educate
the students.
Online Assessments, Personalized Learning
The Networking Academy program builds accountability into the learning process
through online assessments and personalized feedback. This enables students, instructors,
and program administrators to clearly understand students' strengths and areas
for growth. In this focused learning environment, education can be tailored to
meet student capabilities through enhanced curricula and targeted continuing education
events.
Workforce Development
As part of the well-rounded curriculum, Networking Academy students can extend
classroom learning to real work experience through opportunities, such as student
internships and job shadowing. Qualified students can be matched to appropriate
openings offered by employers in their region.
Alumni Career Center
In 2001, the Cisco Networking Academy Program launched the Alumni Program to its
students and graduates who have successfully completed one or more courses of
the Academy curriculum and are 13 years of age or older. Through the Alumni Connection
web site, Academy alumni can participate in a global community that offers resources
and tools for career development.
Partnering to Address the IT Skills Shortfall
Training the workforce of tomorrow is more critical than ever. According to a
recent IDC study, the skills gap around the world is expected to grow. In North
America, the gap is increasing at a rate of 10%; in Asia Pacific, it is increasing
at an astounding 48%; and in Latin America, it is increasing at a compounded rate
of over 20% per year for a total shortfall of nearly 750,000 IT workers in 2003.
The Networking Academy program relies on its partnerships with businesses, governments,
and community organizations around the world in its efforts to meet the increasing
needs of today's Internet economy and to provide today's students with the Internet
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Academy & Class Locator |
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Find an Academy near you.
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Success Stories |
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Mariemont High pioneers a changing educational environment, wins the Blue Ribbon award again. More |
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Course Catalog |
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Review Networking Academy course offerings. More
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