Over 400,000 students in 160 countries have benefited from this grant, which in 1997 began a program to teach staff and students to use the computer equipment Cisco had donated to their institutions. Students receive face-to-face training, online teaching and hands-on exercises. Cisco's goal is to teach skills necessary for getting information technology jobs as well as obtaining a higher-education degree in engineering, computer science and related areas of study.
Forty-five organizations support this effort, launched in 2003 in Jordanian schools. The program's objective is to close the educational gap between developed and less developed countries. Cisco's grant is for equipment, education and human resources, including online math lessons and trained staff for the program's management office.
In collaboration with the World Health Organization, in 2004 Cisco donated the money to fund pilot programs in Egypt and Jordan to teach school children how to lead a healthy life. Through e-courses, students have learned about smoking and other substance abuse, blood disease and road safety. Cisco hopes to expand the program funding to other countries and particularly reach people in remote areas.
Cisco funds this program as an extension of the Cisco Networking Academy Program to teach students in developing countries, with a special focus on girls, information technology. Over 10,000 students in at least 196 countries have benefited from this program.
This grant funds programs in the United States and developing countries to teach girls the latest computer technology and motivate them to consider careers in information technology. Cisco also provides funding to address the recruiting of women for technical jobs and giving them the same opportunities as men in this industry.