MONTREAL, QC - April 17, 2002 - La Fédération des établissements d'enseignement privés (FEEP) - the largest association of private schools in Québec - today announced it will offer the Cisco Networking Academy Program to its 140 member schools across Québec, beginning in Fall 2002.

The Cisco Networking Academy Program is an innovative partnership between Cisco Systems, the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, and educational institutions in Canada, and around the world. The Networking Academy curriculum, which is available in English and French, focuses on teaching students to design, build and maintain computer networks.

"We are excited to offer the Cisco Networking Academy Program to Fédération schools across Québec by providing training to teachers. Cisco Systems is a world leader in the technology industry and brings the enormous power of its industry knowledge to teachers and students through the Networking Academy Program," said Micheline Lavallée, General Director at La Fédération des établissements d'enseignement privés.

Collège Jean-Eudes, a Montreal-based high school and FEEP member institution, is an early adopter of the Cisco Networking Academy Program. When it launches its Networking Academy in September 2002 College Jean Eudes will become the first French high school in Québec to offer the Program.

According to Paul Boisvenu, General Director at College Jean Eudes, student interest in the program is already extremely high. "The student reaction to the Cisco Networking Academy Program has been phenomenal. Our first Networking Academy class next fall is already full, and students are still applying," said Mr. Boisvenu. "By teaching the basics of networking, the Program will not only teaches our students fundamental IT skills, but will open their eyes to the full range of IT careers."

The Cisco Networking Academy Program has been a tremendous success nationally and internationally. Launched in Canada in 1998, the Program has grown to include more than 320 high schools, colleges, technical institutes and universities from coast-to-coast. Globally, there are now more than 8,400 Academies in 133 countries, with more than 232,000 students currently enrolled.

"As companies of all shapes and sizes turn to e-business to improve efficiency and competitiveness, the computer networks that enable e-business have become increasingly sophisticated. As a result networking and IT skills are increasingly in demand - and there is a tremendous opportunity in the field," said Joanne Wong, Regional Manager, Cisco Networking Academy Program.

"The Cisco Systems Networking Academy Program Canada is preparing students for the demands and opportunities of the Information Economy, while helping build a strong, IT-savvy workforce of the future," added Ms. Wong.

About the Cisco Canada Networking Academy Program

The Cisco Systems Networking Academy Program teaches students basic and advanced networking skills and information technology fundamentals. With a curriculum developed by education and networking experts, the Networking Academy Program is offered at high schools, technical schools, colleges and universities, community-based organizations, and other educational programs around the world.

The Cisco Networking Academy Program employs an innovative e-learning model, using a combination of Web-based, instructor-led learning and hands-on labs to teach students. Technology is not only the subject matter, but also the means by which a single program is consistently administered worldwide. 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. Through the Academy program, high schools and college students learn the skills needed to prepare them for the Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) exam.

The program uses Regional Academies as hubs, each of which supports a minimum of five Local Academies. These Regional Academies teach, mentor and support the teachers who oversee programs at the Local Academies under their jurisdiction. The Regional Academies funnel input to Cisco on topics such as individual school performance, curriculum quality and effectiveness, and student progress.

More additional information on the Cisco Networking Academy Program, please visit http://www.cisco.com/ca/networking_academy/index.shtml.

About La Fédération des établissements d'enseignement privés

The Fédération des établissements d'enseignement privés is a non-profit organisation aimed at defending and promoting private education. The Fédération currently represents 149 private education institutions from JK to 12 attended by some 85,000 students.

About Collège Jean-Eudes

Established in 1953 by the Eudiste Fathers, Collège Jean-Eudes is a private secondary school. The Collège has ultra modern facilities (7 computer labs, 1 auditorium for recitals, 1 dance studio, 1 sports centre, etc.) that are used to teach science, arts, and sports. These facilities enable the Collège to attain its educational, cultural and sports related objectives.