1. [Insert Your Academy Name] Cisco Networking Academy Program Gender Initiative [Date] 2004

2. Goal: Empowering Women The Internet EconomyThe Internet Economy GovernmentGovernment PolicyPolicy BusinessBusiness HealthcareHealthcare EducationEducation Empowering women with the “hard” IT skills needed to participate in:

3. How Does the Networking Academy Program Benefit Women? Provides Access to Cutting-Edge IT Skills and Industry- Standard Certification Leads to Unprecedented Career Opportunities Allows Women to Contribute to the Development of the IT Sector in their Community and Country Women’s Increased Participation in the IT Workforce Contributes to their Own Economic Development Offers Time Independent Study and Personalized Training

4. [Academy Name] Gender Program [Your Academy Name] Gender Program Highlights: There are [insert current number at your academy] female students currently enrolled in CCNA courses There are [insert current number of female instructors] female instructors at our Academy who serve as role models for women in the classroom Our Academy offers [insert discounted fees price] discount in tuition fees for female students and women professionals who join the Academy Program We are committed to ensuring that women & girls have equal access and opportunity to IT training!

5. The Gender Module Gender mainstreamed into the Cisco Networking Academy Program from the beginning: THE GENDER MODULE http://cisco.netacad-currdev.net/gender (in Academy Start Guides, accessible to all instructors through the Academy Connection)

6. Applying Recruitment and Retention Strategies Establish all-female classes and Academies Offer Academy program in academic departments with high female enrollment Identify female instructors and role models Advertising: Women encouraged to apply, scaled fee structure and scholarships Schedule Open Houses at the Academy targeting women Involve female speakers/ graduates at recruitment sessions “Bring a (female) friend to class” Highlight career opportunities