Big Tick Award Logo 2010 - International

International, All big ticks

Cisco Networking Academy Programme

Coffey International Award Supported by the Department for International Development

Corporate social responsibility is a core Cisco value. We believe our CSR strategy contributes to our long-term value as a business, while also helping to build a stronger, healthier global community. This community, in turn, supports and sustains the markets within which our business can thrive.

Tae YooCisco Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs

Cisco Networking Academy is a transformative public-private education programme that prepares today’s students for 21st century opportunities by developing and delivering innovative curricula focused on building ICT, business, and critical-thinking skills.

What: Cisco Networking Academy® is a global public-private education ecosystem that advances the MDGs (Target 4, Indicator 11, & Target 18) by equipping students with the ICT skills and knowledge so they may access jobs in the internet economy, ultimately improving their quality of life and that of their families and communities.

There are currently more than 900,000 active students in 165 countries in the programme; 3.25 million students have been involved since inception. As of the end of fiscal 2009 (FY09), Cisco had invested over US$350 million.

Why: No country or region can fully participate in the global economy without a well-educated ICT workforce, and ICT skills are necessary for individuals to engage in the global economy. As Cisco’s largest social investment programme, Networking Academy enables the company to bring our ICT expertise, strategic leadership, business acumen, collaborative focus, and financial strength to close the “digital divide.”

How:  With its unprecedented geographic reach via a wide and diverse set of partners, Cisco ensures students benefit from unique curricula, including instructor-led, web-based course content, online skills assessments, hands-on laboratories, and cutting-edge simulations. The high quality and global consistency of courses are sustained through use of the latest networking technologies and by significant investments in instructor training and continuing professional development for Networking Academy teachers.

Academies locations include secondary schools, community and technical colleges, universities, NGOs, and other venues ranging from youth centres to prisons. Courses have been translated from English into the five other UN languages and 11 additional languages, with more translations ongoing.

 

Impact

Society Benefits

  • At a macro level, the number of active Networking Academies in a country is directly correlated with the country’s capacity to leverage information and communication technologies for economic and social development
  • At the micro level, 70% of students who completed the 4th CCNA course attained a job opportunity and, in a traditionally male dominated industry, 29% of graduates in developing countries are female; a majority reported that the Networking Academy increased their confidence and that their career prospects improved.

Business benefits

  • Networking Academy is developing a global workforce that enlarges the overall market for networking products and services, resulting in accelerated sales growth that positively impacts Cisco’s revenues.
  • Fortifying brand identity - Cisco provides equipment to Networking Academy sites at low or no cost. Students perform laboratory exercises on this equipment, gain familiarity with it, and therefore may be more disposed to influence buying decisions in Cisco’s favour when they find jobs in the industry.
  • Through Networking Academy, Cisco cultivates partners that include not only educational institutions, but also diverse government entities, NGOs, and private companies.
  • A diverse and inclusive workforce benefits Cisco financially by enabling the company to do a better job of anticipating global market demand, generating innovative ideas, and responding to a wide range of customers.

See also

Documents

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