The Cisco Networking Academy is a comprehensive program that provides students with the Internet technology skills essential in a global economy. The Networking Academy delivers web-based content, online assessment, student performance tracking, hands-on labs, instructor training and support, and preparation for industry standard certifications.

Launched in October 1997 with 64 educational institutions in seven states - Arizona, California, Florida, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, and North Carolina - the Networking Academy has spread to more than 145 countries and all 50 U.S. states. Over 260,000 students have enrolled at more than 9800 Academies located in high schools, technical schools, colleges, universities, and community-based organizations. Cisco Systems trains the Cisco Academy Training Centers (CATCs), the CATCs train Regional Academies and the Regional Academies train the Local Academy Instructors who then educate students.

Cisco's partners from business, government and community organizations form an ecosystem to deliver the range of services and support needed to grow tomorrow's global workforce. Initially created to prepare students for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) degrees, the Academy curriculum has expanded with ecosystem-partner sponsored courses. Optional courses include: Fundamentals of Web design sponsored by Adobe Systems; IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software and IT Essentials: Network Operating Systems sponsored by Hewlett-Packard; Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling sponsored by Panduit; and Fundamentals of UNIX and Fundamentals of Java sponsored by Sun Microsystems.

Instructor: Mr. Vorgity