NEWS RELEASE: Cisco Networking Academy Reaches 1 Million Students Annually Worldwide

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cisco Networking Academy Reaches 1 Million Students Annually Worldwide

"World's Largest Classroom" Has Delivered Information and
Communications Technology Education and Skills to Nearly Four Million
Students Since 1997

SAN JOSE, Calif. - February 28, 2011 - Cisco today announced that its
largest and most enduring corporate social responsibility program, the
Cisco®  Networking Academy®, has enrolled its 1 millionth concurrent
student for the first time. In partnership with educational
institutions, government administrations and community based
organizations around the world, the Networking Academy delivers
information and communications technology (ICT) education through
effective in-classroom learning combined with innovative cloud-based
curricula and tools to prepare students for careers in the 21st-century
global economy.

Key Highlights:

* The Networking Academy began in 1997 with 64 schools and has grown to
become one of the "world's largest classrooms" with 10,000 academies in
165 countries, and nearly 4 million students having participated in the
program to date.

* A pioneering example of cloud-based education delivery, the
Networking Academy teaches students how to design, build, troubleshoot,
and secure computer networks for increased access to career and economic
opportunities in communities around the world.  Students who complete
the program often go on to secure entry-level career opportunities,
participate in continuing education and achieve globally recognized
career certifications.

* Networking Academy courses are delivered in multiple languages
through a cloud-based learning system. Courses are supported by
classroom instruction, hands-on learning activities, and interactive
online assessments that provide personalized feedback. Networking
Academy instructors receive extensive training and support to help
ensure a consistently-enriching learning experience for students around
the world.

* Cisco is celebrating this milestone by offering Networking Academy
students and alumni the chance to show the benefits of this unique
classroom experience through a video contest titled "Why is The Cisco
Networking Academy Classroom Like No Other?"

Quotes:

* Amy Christen, vice president of Cisco Corporate Affairs and
Networking Academy

"Networking Academy is truly the world's largest classroom. The unique
delivery model combines the power of the network and the cloud with the
global need for ICT skills-based education to address the critical need
for networking professionals around the world."

* Dr. Hoda Baraka, first deputy to the minister of communications and
information technology, and professor of computer engineering, Cairo
University, Arab Republic of Egypt

"Cisco keeps searching for what is missing for the skills required for
the 21st century and delivers the most critical lessons to our students.
The Networking Academy training is interesting to the students due in
part to its integrated online and hands-on approach to learning. As a
teacher, I enjoy the student-centric approach and the value that
hands-on learning brings."

* Josep Francí, director general for vocational, artistic, and
specialized studies, Regional Ministry of Education; and director
general of vocational training and lifelong learning at the Department
of Education, Catalonia, Spain

"I think in the very beginning the fact that a company like Cisco was
supporting the Networking Academy was very attractive for teachers and
students. After a while we began seeing learning results - a much higher
number of students and lower dropout rates - so the earlier attraction
has proved to be right."

* Kelly Gheesling, Networking Academy Graduate, Michigan

"As I make steps forward in my career, I carry with me the knowledge
and the solid foundation that the Networking Academy built. I love my
job and I am grateful for all of the doors this program has opened."

Key Netw
orking Academy Statistics:

* 1 million Networking Academy students worldwide concurrently engaged
in learning this year
* Nearly 4 million students reached by the Networking Academy to date
* 10,000 Networking Academies operating in 165 countries
* 1 million online assessments delivered monthly
* 100 million online assessments delivered to date
* 175,000 Facebook fans, whose numbers are growing daily

Video:

* Watch the World's Largest Classroom video

For More Information:

* Cisco Networking Academy: www.cisco.com/go/netacad

* Visit the World's Largest Classroom site to learn more and watch
student videos. www.cisco.com/go/wlc

* Read about the video contest entitled "why is the Cisco Networking
Academy classroom like no other."
https://www.facebook.com/cisconetworkingacademy?v=app_197624863584369


* Learn about students and alumni who have applied their networking
skills to advance their careers and make a difference in their
communities.
http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/netacad/success_stories/studentImpact/index_alt.html


* Discover how Networking Academy and its partners are helping members
of underserved communities gain access to new opportunities.
http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/netacad/success_stories/digitalDivide/index_alt.html


* Watch Amy Christen, vice president of Corporate Affairs and
Networking Academy discussing the role of Networking Academy in global
education transformation.
http://newsroom.cisco.com/dlls/2010/ts_082510.html

* Read about Cisco's Workforce Retraining Initiative in Michigan.
http://newsroom.cisco.com/dlls/2009/prod_071409.html

Additional Resources:

* Locate a Networking Academy program in your area:
http://cisco.netacad.net/cnams/locators/LocatorMain.jsp
* Courses and Certifications:  http://www.cisco.com/go/netacadcourses
* Cisco Packet Tracer:  www.cisco.com/go/packettracer
* Academy Netspace:  www.academynetspace.com
* Facebook : www.facebook.com/cisconetworkingacademy
* Join the discussion at www.GETideas.org - an open, online community
for education leaders

Tags / Keywords:

Cisco, CSR, corporate social responsibility, citizenship, social
investment, education, Networking Academy, ICT education, education in
the cloud, education and economic sustainability, economic development,
world's largest classroom, 21st century skills, online assessments, ICT
literacy

About Cisco

Cisco, (NASDAQ: CSCO), the worldwide leader in networking that
transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate. Cisco Canada
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this document are the property of their respective owners. The use of
the word partner does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco
and any other company. This document is Cisco Public Information.


Contact Information

Andrea Berry
StrategicAmpersand Inc. (for Cisco)
416-961-5595, Ext. 428
andberry@cisco.com

Karin Scott
Cisco
416-306-7164
kariscot@cisco.com


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