Schools and nonprofit organizations that become Networking Academies help promote local economic development while preparing individuals for career opportunities in IT.

Networking Academy utilizes a blended learning model that combines face-to-face teaching with online content and hands-on lab exercises. Networking Academy prepares students for industry-recognized certifications, higher education, and successful careers in engineering, computer science, information systems, and all fields that rely on IT for business success.

Academy curricula cover a broad range of topics from basic network design to object-oriented programming, network security, and advanced troubleshooting tools. Soft skills such as career planning and teamwork are also integrated into each curriculum.

Networking Academy courses are available at high schools, community colleges, universities and community-based organizations. Use the Academy Locator to the right to search for existing academies in your area.

Download the Networking Academy Education brochure (PDF 333KB)

How Does Cisco Networking Academy Work?

As part of its corporate social responsibility mission, Cisco provides academic institutions with IT/networking courses for their students.

Cisco makes the program affordable for both institutions and students:

• Cisco offers online curricula and materials at no cost to nonprofit educational institutions.
• Cisco provides networking equipment for hands-on labs at a substantial discount.
• Cisco sets up partnerships with educational institutions to offer instructor training on a cost-recovery basis.
• Cisco provides innovative tools and resources to help Networking Academy students build professional career pathways.
• Networking Academy has credit transfer policies, including dual enrollment, transcripted credit, and articulation.

Interactive, web-based courses are supported by trained instructors, course materials, 24/7 student access, and hands-on labs where students can practice skills.

Over the last 11 years, Networking Academy has educated more than 128,000 students in the United States, and more than 2.6 million students worldwide, in over 160 countries.

Networking Academy is an innovative educational initiative designed to improve student career and economic opportunities in today’s networked economy.

Empower Your Students with In-Demand Skills

Even during the economic downturn, the jobs outlook in IT for 2009 is better than that of many other industries, since IT is no longer at the periphery of industries but at their competitive core. IT will play a critical role in economic recovery. Obama’s pro-tech agenda could increase the number of technology jobs in the United States by 10 percent, adding about 300,000 high-paying IT positions. (Computerworld, 1/5/09, Stimulus could create thousands of IT jobs)

However, statistics show that there is an increasing gap between the demand for IT and networking professionals and qualified individuals to fill those jobs.

Networking Academy students enter a growth field with increasing opportunity for success. Job roles range from supporting small businesses and home offices to designing and implementing enterprise networking architecture. Students and alumni are provided with career resources and employer networking opportunities to prepare for high-demand, high-wage careers.

How do I get started?

• See the Course Catalog
• Find an existing Networking Academy in your area
• Learn about opportunities to bring Networking Academy courses to your school or education program