Overview

Cisco and Cisco Learning Institute have created PLAN-IT toolkits for all audiences, particularly Academy instructors, students, Gender Initiative participants, and LDC Initiative participants. They support student and Academy success throughout the developing world.

Why Gender?

In response to the gender gap in IT, Cisco and the Cisco Learning Institute encourage Academies establish gender policies and activities to reach out to girls and women. The PLAN-IT Gender Initiative Toolkit was helps promote the participation of females in IT skills training and career paths. The toolkit provides a step-by-step guide to help Academies use the support of the following people to foster gender equity:

• Industry partners
• School administrators
• Career counselors
• Community and government officials
• Alumni
• Current students

All resources provided in the toolkit contribute to the development of a unique plan for gender inclusion.

The toolkit includes:

• Recruitment and retention strategies
• Sample recruitment flyers
• Multimedia announcements
• Sample correspondences to industry partners
• Research findings and statistics
• Links to online resources such as videos and posters
• Profiles of successful students and women role models
• Sample agendas for Women in IT events
• Outreach strategies for parents, school administrators, and community leaders

The Gender Initiative Toolkit is available as a CD-ROM. For information on how to obtain a PLAN-IT CD-ROM, please contact your AAM.

Outcomes

The PLAN-IT Gender Initiative Toolkit can help your Academy accomplish the following objectives:

• Develop relationships with public and private sector partners
• Increase the enrollment and retention of female students
• Strengthen the networking and soft skills of students
• Increase your institution's credibility as a leader in gender inclusion

We appreciate your comments and suggestions for improving the PLAN-IT toolkits. Please share your successes and best practices as you integrate PLAN-IT at your Academies.

For additional questions regarding the PLAN-IT Toolkits, contact your Area Academy Manager (AAM).