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CISCO AND OK CAREERTECH CHANGE LIVES WITH SKILLS TRAINING
From left to right: Kevin Bell and Carol Goff (Instructor Pioneer Technology Center)
Cisco Systems and the Oklahoma CareerTech System are celebrating 10 years of working together to prepare more than 6,000 individuals in the state to work in the information technology networking field. The partnership was celebrated Jan. 13 at the State Capitol, in which six outstanding students were recognized.
Kevin Bell was among those recognized for outstanding achievements in the Cisco Networking Academy. After he graduated from the program at Pioneer Technology Center in Ponca City, Bell worked 20 months as an intern there. He is currently working as assistant network administrator.
Lt. Governor Jari Askins presented a proclamation at the celebration for “Cisco Networking Academy Day” which highlighted the progress Cisco has made in educating students to improve their skills, broadening their career and economic opportunities.
“I’m delighted that the state of Oklahoma is one of many partners with Cisco,” Askins said, “It’s a great example of a public-private partnership. We’re so fortunate that Oklahoma’s career and technology system and the state department of education have recognized the importance of this partnership to ensure those opportunities are available for students.”
Cisco is the worldwide leader in information technology networking. Now in its second decade, Cisco Networking Academy teaches millions of students worldwide skills to compete in the 21st century global economy. Employing more than 67,647 employees, Cisco enables people to make powerful connections in business, education and philanthropy.
“I never really saw myself as making my current salary at the age of 20,” said Bell, “My family and friends have been amazed by the accomplishments I have made at such a young age.”
Bell received his associate degree of applied science information technology-network engineering at Northern Oklahoma College. Bell plans to continue his education and receive a masters degree in MIS. One of his ultimate goals is to program an application to help consumers track the activity in real time on their computers.
“To keep students engaged, Cisco has looked at the way young people learn. As a result Cisco has developed its E-learning software and hands-on activities,” said Linnie Berkenbile, state program administrator of business, marketing and IT education at Oklahoma CareerTech, “Our students have benefited greatly from efforts by Cisco to educate students in the networking area.”
The John Morgridge Scholarship was presented to Jeannie Kozak at the celebration. Kozak is a graduate of Kiamichi Technology Center in McAlester. John Morgridge was president and CEO of Cisco and now serves as chairman emeritus. This $500 scholarship serves to honor his efforts and long-term commitment to basic human needs, responsible citizenship and access to education.
Others recognized include Otis Surratt Jr. and Daniel Billingsly, Tulsa Technology Center; Geraldine “Buzzy” Manning, Indian Capital Technology Center in Tahlequah; Chad Johnson, Mid-Del Technology Center in Midwest City; and Jesse Jorgensen, Francis Tuttle Technology Center in Oklahoma City.
“The state has 33 Cisco Networking Academies, creating opportunities and preparing more than 1,900 students per year to innovate and lead economic development in Oklahoma.” said Rosanna Bisges, senior manager of Cisco Systems. “Thirty-two academies are offered in CareerTech high school and technology center programs and one is at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology in Okmulgee.”
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Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 (Archive on Friday, February 20, 2009)
Posted by ljackson Contributed by ljackson
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