Monessen High School has gone "Cisco."
Earlier this school year, Monessen High School joined the Cisco Networking Academy. It is one of 8,800 Networking Academies in 140 countries and in all 50 states.
So what is the Cisco Networking Academy and what is its purposeâ¢
The Cisco Networking Academy Program is a comprehensive computer learning program that provides students with Internet technology skills essential for today's stan-dards.
The program includes Web-based content, online assessment, student per-formance tracking, hands-on labs, instructor training and support and preparation for industry standard certifications.
The curriculum gives students Internet techno- logy skills for designing, building and maintaining networks.
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) program is a 280-hour curriculum. In order to complete this CCNA program, students must use decision-making and problem solving skills to solve networking problems.
Students also learn to install and arrange Cisco switches and routers. Maintenance, care and networking software tools and equipment are taught.
There are not many students enrolled in the Cisco Academy, but Cisco Academy teacher Leanne Spazak says that "as of now, the program is successful."
"I hope to increase the number of students in the future," she said. "I look forward to having many of our students becoming certified network associates."
Spazak says the Cisco Networking Academy pre-pares students for the in-dustry world and changing economy.
Monessen students are being given an opportunity to get a jump start in an industry that is very challenging.
Amber Thompson is a senior at Monessen High School.
