Public/Private alliances create digital opportunities for students

The University College of the Fraser Valley has teamed up with Cisco Systems, Inc., the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, to become the site of a Regional Cisco Networking Academy beginning with the Winter 2001 school semester. Upon successful completion of the program and final examination, students are certified as a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and/or Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) and are prepared to go on to higher education in computer science or computer engineering or enter the IT workforce.

The Networking Academy program employs an e-learning model, using a combination of web-based, instructor-led learning and hands-on labs to teach high school, college and adult students how to design, build and maintain computer networks of local, national and global businesses.

"In the new internet economy, lifelong learning and technology training will be the foundation for remaining competitive in the workforce," says Cisco Chair John Morgridge. "The internet and education are the global equalizers in life, and Cisco is committed to improving education for today's students around the world."

"This is an exceptional example of an effective partnership between UCFV and a leader in the high-tech industry. This program will provide our students with the best possible training for many careers that are now available in the world of information technology," says UCFV President Skip Bassford.

"I found that students are more motivated because they get to 'play' with real networks. They are always looking forward to the class. It is also easier to understand lessons with the tools provided. Academy students also have opportunities to participate in work-based learning," says UCFV Cisco project manager Veena Merz.

Since its inception in October 1997, the Cisco Networking Academy program has matured to educate more than 156,000 students in all 50 U.S. states and in more than 96 countries worldwide. More than 5,700 Networking Academies now exist around the world.

UCFV is one of a growing number of schools to bring this high-tech training program to students around the world. Students who complete the first 280 hours of instruction are prepared to take a standardized test to qualify as a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). Students who complete semesters five through eight are prepared to take the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) exam and become CCNP certified. Academy graduates are also prepared to build upon their networking skills by pursuing advanced education in science and engineering fields at colleges and universities.

The Networking Academy program provides course work for a complete range of basic through advanced networking concepts - from pulling cable to such complex concepts as subnet masking rules and strategies to troubleshooting. Additional modules in the Academy program will provide Unix, Java and web development skills to students wanting to specialize in those areas.

Through the Academy program, students learn fundamental networking concepts and have a chance to apply their new skills in the 'real world' workplace via Cisco's Work-Based Learning program. This program matches Cisco partners and customers with Academy graduates for internship and mentoring opportunities.

More information about programs, events and activities at UCFV is available by visiting our website at http://www.ucfv.bc.ca/cis

Cisco Systems, Inc., (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. More information on the Cisco Networking Academy program can be found at www.cisco.com/edu or by contacting Debbie Bruce at 408-527-1732.

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UCFV contact:  Veena Merz, phone (604) 853-7441