Monroe College has announced a partnership with Cisco Systems, Inc., the worldwide leaderin Internet networking, on a Cisco Networking Academy here at the college. The Academy program prepares students for networking and IT-related careers in the public and private sectors and for higher education in engineering, computer science, and related fields.

“Jobs of the future will go where there is an educated workforce, an infrastructure, and a supportive government,” said Cisco President and CEO John Chambers. “That’s why it’s so important that today’s students get the skills needed for the jobs of the 21st century.” “Getting some kind of industry recognized certification is a key advantage when entering the job market,” said Marie-Line Douglas, a Monroe College bachelor’s student.

Launched in 1997, the program has grown to more than 10,000 academies in 151 countries, with curricula taught in 9 languages. The Academy’s blended learning model integrates face-to-face teaching with a challenging web-based curriculum, hands-on lab exercises, and Internet-based assessment.  The Monroe College Local Academy will offer courses such as CCNA (Cisco Certified Networking Associate) for students to prepare for industry-recognized certification and IT careers.

To place graduates, Monroe College plans to partner with local businesses seeking IT professionals who have hands-on skills with the latest technology. In addition to networking and IT capabilities, the curricula also reinforce 21st century skills, IT literacy, problem-solving, communication, and the experience of working with others from different backgrounds.  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 cisco.com .