August 13, 2002

by Charles Waltner, News@Cisco

John Chambers, President and CEO of Cisco Systems, was the guest speaker before the Education and Workforce panel at President Bush's Economic Forum today at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.

The President's Economic Forum brought together government policymakers, business owners, teachers, workers, corporate executives, and others to discuss the fundamentals of the economy and the President's agenda to increase economic growth for the future. Much of the forum was conducted within eight specialized expert panels, each discussing a different aspect of the country's economy such as corporate responsibility, trade, small business, and health care security.

Secretary of Education Dr. Roderick Paige and Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao chaired the Education and Workforce panel, which also included Bob Nardelli, CEO of Home Depot; Carly Fiorina, CEO of Hewlett-Packard; Ed Rust, CEO of State Farm Insurance; Robert Sloan, President of Baylor University; Johnny Butler, Pennsylvania Secretary of Labor; and Jennifer Alexander, Wisconsin Secretary of Workforce Development, among 30 panelists of education experts, business executives, union representatives, workers, administrators, and teachers from universities, colleges, and high schools.

In his talk to the panel Chambers emphasized his that "the two great equalizers in life are the Internet and education," explaining that a sound education levels the playing field for all children, that an educated workforce is critical to increasing productivity and fostering innovation, and a skilled workforce is necessary for America's continued prosperity. Chambers noted that over half-a-million technology jobs in the U.S. will go unfilled next year due to a lack of qualified workers. He also asserted that countries and states with a larger share of workers trained and skilled in the use of technology will outperform those with a smaller share of such educated workers, and the best jobs will go where the best educated workforce resides.

"In order to properly prepare our children for the jobs of the twenty-first century," Chambers said, "we need fundamental changes in our primary and secondary school systems. I congratulate the Administration and the Congress for passing the 'No Child Left Behind' law, as it is a great first step."

Chambers also emphasized that broadband communications has the potential to play a key role in improving educational opportunities through online curriculum, online testing, distance learning, and other Web-based education environments, noting that e-learning may well be the next 'killer application.'

A devoted advocate of workforce education, Chambers also addressed the topic in July, delivering the keynote address at the National Governor's Association in Boise, Idaho. His presentation to government leaders emphasized the importance of the Internet in education and the country's economy.

Chambers and Cisco support President Bush's belief that education is fundamental to personal growth and success. Cisco has been active since its inception by providing education and training opportunities for children and adults worldwide.

The Cisco Networking Academy Program, for example, combines traditional education methods with e-learning technology. Through this program, Cisco helps students learn to design, build and maintain their school's networks and at the same time develop valuable learning opportunities. Cisco brought together top experts in education and technology, and invested more than $120 million in creating and delivering this e-learning program that enhances the way people learn and retain knowledge.

Today, the Cisco Networking Academy Program provides Web-based content, online assessment, student performance tracking, hands-on labs, instructor training and support. The curriculum is developed and updated by education and networking experts and is aligned with U.S. national math and science standards and workplace skills. As a result, more than 263,000 students attending schools in over 145 countries are learning advanced Internet technology skills, including networking, Unix, Web design, and other IT essentials.

Attendees of the Forum from the Administration included President George W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary of the Treasury Paul O'Neill, Secretary of Commerce Donald Evans, Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham, Secretary of Agriculture Anne Venemen, Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson, Administrator of the Small Business Administration Hector Baretto, and White House Economic Advisor Lawrence Lindsey.