Washington. Education and technology are two of our greatest social equalizers.

Transcription

1 Corporate Social Responsibility Washington Education and technology are two of our greatest social equalizers. As the worldwide leader in networking, Cisco knows technology can be used to improve access to education. Education can improve individual economic opportunities, helping to create a relevant, strong workforce and advance the economy. Cisco delivers education programs through partnerships with private and public organizations. Now in its 15 th year, Cisco Networking Academy is the largest of these programs, partnering with over 10,000 education organizations in 165 countries to reach over 1 million active students. With the growing demand for ICT professionals, Networking Academy is providing the skills to design, build, manage and secure computer networks, including the career-ready soft skills employers require. Students learn through classroom instruction, online materials and interactive tools, and hands-on experience. As organizations become increasingly reliant on intelligent networks and innovative workers, Cisco and our partners are helping prepare the global workforce of the future. The Impact in Washington 2,962 students taught in ,745 students since inception 40 organizations offering Cisco ICT courses 77 instructors preparing the ICT workforce Million estimated in-kind contribution to education you + networks = impact 2013 Cisco and/or its affiliates. Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 1 of 6

2 Academy Impact Profile 2013 Washington Preparing Today s Students for Tomorrow s Challenges For a competitive and sustainable economy, the United States must have a skilled and well-trained workforce that can meet the evolving needs of industry. Students must now acquire problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, in addition to specific job-related expertise, to reach their full potential as a vital work resource. The growth of global networks has resulted in a shortage of people qualified to design, build, manage and secure the information infrastructure needed to do business, support communications, and even save lives. Every business, school, hospital, nonprofit, and other organization that relies on intelligent networks needs trained professionals to keep them running and secure. A workforce that is well-schooled in information and communications technology (ICT) and engineering can spur innovation across many industries, which in turn inspires additional opportunities to fuel productivity and economic growth. ICT investments are expected to play a major role in generating stable, high-paying jobs and boosting the nation s GDP. An Innovative Education Program that Supports Standards Cisco Networking Academy is a technology education program that partners with public and private organizations to provide the knowledge and skills required for career- and college-ready students. Students acquire basic-to-advanced knowledge of information communications technology and learn networking skills. They develop the analytic, teamwork, and efficiency skills and the self-confidence that are so essential in the 21st century, both in the job world and in college. Coursework reflects all STEM Cluster Topics, and teaches many of the reading and writing Common Core Standards for technical subjects. -ready students strengthen their understanding of technology, as well as math, science, and engineering concepts, improving success in their advanced studies. Career-ready students prepare for globally recognized certifications. Cisco is the first vendor to offer a robust networking certification portfolio that meets the ANSI accreditation standard. Yahoo! Finance 1/16/2013 Most of my students get multiple job offers before they even graduate. David Kotfila, Director/Instructor, Rennselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY Technical and Career-Ready Skills Courses include IT Essentials, Cisco CCNA (Cisco Certified Networking Associate), CCNA Security, and the more advanced Cisco CCNP (Cisco Certified Networking Professional). With a focus on learning technical skills, the instructional approach encourages student engagement and the ability to synthesize what they learn and apply it in other contexts. Course content integrates four skill areas identified by education researchers as critical for 21st century workers: Problem solving and decision making: Students practice and test their knowledge by configuring and troubleshooting networks using hands-on labs and simulation software; real-world scenarios develop advanced problem-solving techniques. Creative and critical thinking: Students understand the how and why of networking by combining hands-on learning with conceptual and analytical exercises. Collaboration, communication, and negotiation: Students acquire individual and teamwork skills by performing lab exercises and practicing problem solving within business scenarios. Intellectual curiosity and information handling: Students develop the ability to locate, select, structure, and evaluate information. Courses also prepare and motivate students to pursue further education or certification. Many go on to apply their skills on the job or in their own businesses Cisco and/or its affiliates. Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 2 of 6

3 Academy Impact Profile 2013 Washington Comprehensive Curricula with Communities of Support Each course is free to not-for-profit organizations and includes instructor-led course content, lab exercises, simulation software, skills assessments, case studies, gaming, interactive teaching guides, and grade books. All materials are available to instructors online with 24/7 support. Unique to Networking Academy is our focus on instructor professional development, and the creation of communities to support both instructors and students. Instructors receive training prior to teaching their first class, and many free professional development opportunities throughout the year. Cisco hosts peer communities that enable instructors to collaborate and share best practices, online and in person. Students have access to skills competitions and a global network of peers to troubleshoot coursework and prepare for exams, while also mentoring and encouraging one another. A High Demand for ICT Skills Although economic downturns hinder most employment sectors, ICT professionals enjoy a continuously increasing demand because of exponential growth in technology and related services. Networking is expected to be the second fastest growing ICT area in the United States, faster than the average for all occupations, as we continue to invest in cloud and mobile networks U.S. Employment Predictions % + 22% + 22% + 18% + 18% +22% +14% 443, , , , ,700 All Computer Info Sec Analysts, Computer Comp and Systems Web Developers, Support Info Systems Analysts Network Architects Specialists Managers Network and Computer Systems Architects/Admins 2020 Washington Employment Predictions % + 26% + 27% + 24% + 25% Computer Occupations 1 Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2 Source: WA Empl. Security, All Occupations Top Cisco Certifications by Salary 3 ICT salaries are on the rise, particularly if professionals have specialized training or have earned a certification. For example, Cisco network administration knowledge and skills result in a 9% higher salary, on average. $82,923 $90,457 $74,764 Additional Cisco certifications are available, including CCNA Security, CCNA Voice, CCIE, CCDA, and more. 3 Source: Global Knowledge, 15 Top Paying IT Certs, Cisco and/or its affiliates. Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 3 of 6

4 2013 Academy Impact Profile Washington The Impact in Washington The partnership between Cisco and Washington educational institutions has touched the lives of more than 25,700 students and generated a large estimated in-kind contribution towards education. Impact since the beginning in ,745 $11.21M 1-9 (100%) Students Estimated In-Kind Contribution Value Congressional Districts Participating Impact over the last 12 months 2,962 11% Students Female Students Instructors Academies Education Levels Secondary Schools Community s Universities Other 4 Students 29% 42% 29% 0% Curricula 5 Academies 50% 30% 20% 0% Students 25% 47% 25% 3% Basic ICT Basic Networking Intermediate Networking 4 Community-based organizations, middle schools, military, nontraditional educational settings, and post-graduate institutions 5 Students that enroll in more than one education level or curriculum in 12 months may be counted more than once Advanced Networking Education Organizations Teaching Networking Academy Courses in Washington COUNTY CITY SCHOOL Benton Prosser Prosser High School Clallam Clark Grant King Port Angeles Sequim Vancouver Moses Lake Auburn Bellevue Seattle Peninsula Sequim School District Clark Clark County Skills Center EDT Columbia Basin Civilian Conservation Corps Auburn High School Auburn Mountainview High School Green River Community Bellevue Bellevue Continuing Education Newport High School Digital Bridge Technology Academy Franklin High School Nathan Hale High North Seattle Community Seattle Central Community Seattle Public Schools Skills Kitsap Bremerton Poulsbo Silverdale Center South Seattle Community Olympic Olympic High School North Kitsap Academy Central Kitsap High School Lewis Onalaska Onalaska School District Pierce Snohomish Spokane Thurston Lakewood Sumner Tacoma Edmonds Everett Cheney Spokane Olympia Tumwater Yelm Clover Park Technical Sumner High School Bates Technical Stadium High School Edmonds Community Everett Community Cheney High School John Rogers High School Spokane Community South Puget Sound Community New Market Vocational Skill Center Yelm High School Walla Walla Walla Walla Walla Walla Community 2013 Cisco and/or its affiliates. Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 4 of 6

5 2013 Academy Impact Profile Washington Whatcom Bellingham Whatcom Community Yakima Yakima Perry Technical Institute Yakima Valley Community Academy Impact Story Students Giving Back with Technology Skills Students at Newport High School (NHS) in Bellevue, Washington, are leveraging what they learn in Cisco Networking Academy courses to create hope and opportunity for people in underserved communities halfway around the world. Back in 1998, two teachers came together to champion a pilot ICT program at NHS. One of these teachers, Jeff Mason, believed that the secret to engaging high school students with technology was to provide hands-on labs and practical applications. In fact, the first academy class was asked to network the course lab. They loved the challenge, and we knew we were headed in the right direction. Another teacher, Barbara White, applied her marketing skills to promote the courses. Together they developed a Cisco Hall of Fame, with honorary dinners as incentives. They asked teachers across the high school to recommend students who might be interested in technology and actively recruited enrollment. They encouraged their networking students to spread the word among their friends. Enrollment grew from 20 students to 30, 40, 50, and the interest kept climbing until Networking Academy courses were one of the most popular electives at NHS. Jeff was also recruiting new instructors, including Rod Thompson, who transferred to NHS to help expand the Networking Academy program. Jeff and Rod agree that students will rise to meet expectations, so rather than measuring program success simply on enrollment and course completion, they made Cisco certification a goal for every student. Even if they don t pass the exam, we know the experience and exposure are beneficial, says Rod. When the closest test site closed and students had to drive over 100 miles for the certification exam, Rod and Jeff began the arduous process of qualifying as a private test center right on the high school campus. About 30% of each class earn their Cisco CCNA certifications. Two of our students have earned their Cisco CCNP and completed their Cisco CCIE (written). These are remarkable achievements at this age, says Jeff. From its modest start with five routers, the NHS labs now boast over $8 million in donated equipment, including eight Cisco Catalyst 6500 switches. There are four concurrent courses, some overlapping to accommodate all the students wanting to enroll. For the past two years, NHS students have participated in the NetRiders IT Skills Challenge at the national level. From high school labs to global citizens. As word of the program spread through the community, members of the local Rotary Club approached Rod and Jeff to ask if Networking Academy students wanted to participate in their Computers for the World (C4W) program. To date, Jeff and Rod have organized eight trips to countries like Slovakia, Antigua, Istanbul, and Uganda, where students spend two weeks or more immersing themselves in local culture while setting up computer labs. In Istanbul, for example, the students set up a computer lab for paraplegic youth. These students need to recognize that what they have done is a great act of love. -Jacinta Pringle, Chief Education Director, Antigua NHS students compete for the 12 spots available for each international trip. They are selected based on their performance in class, and after school hours spent refurbishing 250 donated computers for each trip. Students also raise seed money for expenses, which the local Rotary chapter doubles and passes up to the national level for further contributions. In this way, a $2,000 fundraising effort by the students can turn into an $80,000 sponsorship. Not just overseas. Students also apply their skill and energy in their local community, such as building computer networks for food banks and nonprofit organizations for the homeless. Through both international and local efforts, students go beyond reading textbooks to experience real world examples. They get to apply all of the things they learned in the Cisco classes, says Jeff. To watch our 2013 Cisco and/or its affiliates. Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 5 of 6

6 2013 Academy Impact Profile Washington students be able to take the skills we ve taught them in the classroom not only the technical skills, but leadership and social skills is one of the most gratifying things a teacher can witness. When they return, they return as citizens of the world. I would do senior year one more time just go on this trip. That s how much this means to me, and why I ll remember this forever. -Sanya Shahrasbi, NHS academy graduate The life-changing aspects of the Networking Academy experience at NHS continue to build on each other. These are just some of this program s remarkable student outcomes: One student earned his Cisco CCNA certification, graduated from NHS, and went to Washington State University, where he was hired by their networking department; this earned him an internship and eventually a full-time career at Microsoft After graduating from NHS, another student acquired his dream job at Google Advanced Labs; he is pursuing his college degree while he works Another student took one year of Networking Academy courses and earned his Cisco CCNA certification as a senior at NHS; as a freshman in college, he landed a Cisco internship coveted by college juniors and seniors An NHS graduate at Western Washington University solved a campus-wide DNS problem, and was hired on the spot by the data center One promising NHS freshman received the highest scores in the class and went on to obliterate the CCNA exam and earn her CCNA-Security certification; before graduation from college, she will have eight years of networking education and at least two certifications to differentiate her in today s job market Learn More See videos and success stories. Learn how to get involved. cisco.com/go/netacad/usc Cisco Corporate Social Responsibility cisco.com/go/csr We believe that businesses have a responsibility to operate in ways that respect and ultimately benefit people, communities and the planet we live on; we call this Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Our core CSR philosophy is that impact multiplies whenever human and technology networks combine to solve a problem. This is why we approach CSR the same way we approach business by applying our technology, employee expertise and partnerships. We are focused on four primary goals: improving the well-being of people and communities around the world, reducing our environmental impact and helping our customers do the same, conducting our business ethically, and creating a workplace where our employees thrive Cisco and/or its affiliates. Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 6 of 6