From left, Cisco Washington Representative Michael Timmeny, Senator Jack Reed (RI), Senator Chuck Schumer (NY), Senator Harry Reid (NV), Cisco President & CEO John Chambers, Senator Ron Wyden (OR), Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle (SD), Senator Patty Murray (WA), Senator Evan Bayh (IN), Cisco Director of Government Affairs Laura Ipsen, Cisco Policy Communications John Earnhardt.

"There are two great equalizers in life," Chambers said. "The Internet and Education." Chambers’ passion for education rivals his vigor for the Internet. In his October 13, 2000 hour-long + presentation and question and answer session, Chambers told the Senate Democratic leader and his colleagues that in order for localities, states, countries and continents to effectively compete in the Internet Economy, the Internet and Education must work hand in hand. "E-learning is the next ‘killer’ application," said Chambers.

Cisco’s Networking Academy Program (CNAP) was also discussed during the meeting.

Originally established in 1997 to train students how to maintain donated networking equipment, the program has grown to over 5400 Academies with over 143,000 students enrolled in over 80 countries worldwide. The academy is leader-led and hands-on learning facilitated with online curriculum and testing. Students in high schools and community colleges take a two-year course and learn how to maintain and operate networks. Although students can find lucrative jobs right out of the program, those that are of traditional college age are encouraged to pursue four-year degrees in college. One Senator asked, "Why can’t we have them in every high-school in my state?" "You can," answered Chambers. For more information, please go to http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/779/edu/