Cisco works with secondary and postsecondary school partners to ensure that students understand emerging technologies and possess the technical skills foundation necessary to pursue careers in the industry. More importantly, Cisco uses its leadership in the industry to encourage and support business partners in its work with schools. For example, Cisco is working with ecosystem partners in Rhode Island to ensure the state has the skilled workforce necessary to sustain economic growth. Several years ago, business and education representatives formed the Information Technology Academy to serve as a broker in the creation of an effective workforce development system. Even though Cisco does not have facilities in the state, it has a strong presence through companies that sell and use Cisco products and end-user customers.
Cisco has a stake in the quality of the state's workforce.
Together with ITA, Cisco has established the Cisco Networking Academy Program in schools across the state. Cisco is working with ecosystem partners such as Verizon and Fidelity. This type of collaborative effort is becoming more common across our domestic and international markets. It made sense. Cisco was a relatively small company and thought contributing products was a good thing to do.