Raleigh, N.C.---The United Negro College Fund today announced a $1.8 million grant from Cisco to provide hardware to UNCF's 39 member colleges and universities and to establish a scholarship program for students attending select universities.

The grant is part of UNCF's Technology Enhancement Capital Campaign that was launched in March 2000 to strengthen the technology capacities of UNCF's member institutions by bolstering software, hardware, training and faculty development, and technical support.

"This exciting partnership with Cisco will help bolster the capability and performance of our schools' networks and will elevate their systems to levels that are required for research institutions," said William H. Gray III, president & CEO of UNCF. "We are extremely appreciative of Cisco's support and commitment to expanding educational opportunities for deserving young men and women."

As part of Cisco's grant to UNCF, 50 Cisco Catalyst 4840 switches were donated and installed at all 39 UNCF member schools, which are valued at $1.5 million. These 4840 catalyst switches provide substantial upgrades in capability and performance to the member institutions' computer network systems.

""We are pleased to be supporting the United Negro College Fund through the Cisco/UNCF Scholars Program," said John Morgridge, Cisco Systems, Inc. Chairman of the Board. "Great information technology talent exists in our student population, but that talent does not always have access to the resources needed for success. Through the Scholars Program, Cisco will provide UNCF the financial support and equipment necessary to assist in developing the next generation of Information Technology leaders."

The grant also included a $300,000 commitment to establish the Cisco/UNCF University Scholars Program. The program provides two-year scholarships ($4000 per year) that are available to students entering their junior year, who have a minimum 3.2 GPA and are pursuing a degree in electrical engineering or computer science. Students from 29 UNCF and non-UNCF colleges and universities across the country are eligible to apply. The first group of Cisco/UNCF scholars includes:

Nichelle Bonaparte Beth Adams Krystle Watler Jade Dobbins Jeffrey Tate Anwar Hall Erika Johnson Tiffany Canty Jason Pridgen Sherard Griffin

Saint Augustine's College North Carolina A&T Univ. Spelman College Spelman College Morehouse College Morgan State University Johnson C. Smith Univ. Johnson C. Smith Univ. North Carolina A&T Univ. North Carolina State Univ.

(Raleigh, NC) (Greensboro, NC) (Atlanta, GA) (Atlanta, GA) (Atlanta, GA) (Baltimore, MD) (Charlotte, NC) (Charlotte, NC) (Greensboro, NC) (Raleigh, NC)

The Cisco/UNCF Scholars Program becomes part of Cisco's efforts to support information technology education worldwide. The centerpiece of Cisco's support is the Cisco Networking Academy Program, which employs an e-learning model, using a combination of web- and skills-based, instructor-led learning and hands-on exercises to teach students how to design, build and maintain computer networks. Currently, more than 265,000 students are enrolled in more than 9400 Networking Academies in 142 countries around the world. The curriculum is available in nine languages. Cisco Networking Academies are established in high schools, higher education institutions, military bases, workforce retraining centers, juvenile detention centers and homeless shelters.

Founded in 1984, Cisco Systems, Inc. is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Cisco's Internet Protocol-Based (IP) networking solutions are the foundation of the Internet and most corporate, education, and government networks around the world. Cisco provides the broadest line of solutions for transporting data, voice and video within buildings, across campuses, or around the world

Founded in 1944, the United Negro College Fund is the nation's oldest and most successful minority higher education assistance organization. UNCF has raised nearly $1.8 billion to support its 39 member institutions and has helped more than 300,000 students earn undergraduate and graduate degrees. Currently, UNCF administers more than 450 programs, including scholarship programs, mentoring, summer enrichment, curriculum and faculty development and leadership development.