News Release

Orchard Park Secondary School Receives Networking Academy Lab from Cisco Systems Canada Employee

Former Stony Creek resident gives back to local school
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Sep 26, 2001

STONEY CREEK, ON - September 26, 2001 - The generosity of a former Orchard Park Secondary School student is allowing current students at the Stony Creek high school to get an early start on developing their high-tech skills. Carmine Porco, who now works at Cisco Systems, the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, has donated $30,000 worth of networking equipment to form a sophisticated computer network lab the school will use to run the Cisco Systems Networking Academy Program.

The Cisco Networking Academy Program, which started this fall at Orchard Park Secondary School, is designed to teach students to design, build and maintain computer networks. These high-tech skills can lead to rewarding careers in the private sector and post-secondary education opportunities.

"My career in the technology industry has been extremely rewarding," said Carmine Porco, Managing Partner, Internet Business Solutions Group, Cisco Systems Canada. "I want to give students where I grew up the opportunity to get turned on by technology early. Donating a Cisco Networking Academy lab to Orchard Park allowed me to give back to the community."

"Cisco Systems brings the enormous power of its industry knowledge to the teachers and students at our schools through the Cisco Networking Academy Program," said Ilze Dreimanis, Principal at Orchard Park Secondary School. "Technology training will boost student learning in mathematics, the sciences, language arts and the many other forms of literacy that we wish to increase for all our young people."

Mr. Porco graduated from Orchard Park Secondary School in 1982 and still has several family members living in the Stony Creek area, including a nephew who may eventually attend the school. The school is currently offering the first semester of the Networking Academy program to 40 students.

High-Tech Learning

The Cisco Systems Networking Academy program has grown quickly since its launch in October of 1997, with sites now established in over 8000 high schools, colleges, technical schools and universities nationally and internationally. Since the launch of the program in Canada in June 1998, over 310 educational institutions in Canada have adopted the Cisco Systems Networking Academy program into their curriculum.

Through the Networking Academy program, high schools and college students learn the skills needed to prepare them for the Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) exam. CCNA certification positions students for immediate openings in the job market, or for engineering and science-focused post-secondary studies.

The 280-hour program provides course work for a complete range of basic through advanced networking concepts - from pulling cable, through such complex concepts as subnet masking rules and strategies.

For additional information about the Cisco Systems Networking Academy program in Canada please visit our web site at: http://www.cisco.com/ca/

About Cisco Systems

Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. News and information are available at www.cisco.com.

About Cisco Systems Canada

Cisco Systems Canada Co. has field offices across Canada dedicated to customer support, sales, and service. In addition, Cisco Systems has a significant research and development centre in Ottawa, Ontario.

For Additional Information:

  • Willa Black
    Cisco Systems Canada Co.
    416-306-7732
    Pager: 1-800-68-CISCO
    E-mail: wblack@cisco.com

  • Gareth Pettigrew
    Strategic/Ampersand Inc.
    416-961-5595 ext.428
    E-mail: gareth@stratamp.com