Project Accomplishments:

Gender Best Practices

We developed 11 best practice profiles of Cisco Networking Academy Programs that served as models for successful recruitment and retention of female students in Information Technology. We identified these best practices via a national survey we developed in conjunction with CLI, and from the results identified the academies that were exemplary in recruiting and retaining female students. View the Gender Best Practices here.

Role Model Profiles

IWITTS developed 13 female role model profiles of Cisco Academy instructors, students, systems engineers and corporate executives to share success stories of women who have succeeded in Information Technology. To view the profiles click here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

IWITTS also developed FAQs about recruitment and retention of females in the Cisco Networking Academy. To view the FAQs click here.

Cisco System's Networker's Conferences in Las Vegas and Orlando

Donna Milgram, Executive Director of IWITTS, presented a workshop on Recruiting and Retaining Women in Networking Academy Programs at both conferences in Summer 2000. Presenting with Ms. Milgram was Erin Walsh of Cisco Systems; Lynn Bloomer, Cisco Instructor for the Community College of Rhode Island; and Ann Urevick, Regional Academy Director for Cisco Networking Academy Programs in Philadelphia.

Focus Groups

Three online focus groups were conducted with Cisco Networking Academy Program Instructors on recruiting and retaining female students on November 28 and November 30, 2001. The focus groups were conducted by Donna Milgram, Executive Director of IWITTS.

The results of the focus groups are contained in a focus group report, "Recruiting and Retaining Females in the Cisco Networking Academy Program in the US: Focus Group Report." Funding for this report was provided by the Cisco Learning Institute. IWITTS extends a special thanks to the 36 instructors who volunteered their time to participate in these focus groups.

Plenary Speech at Cisco Systems Network Academy Conference

Donna Milgram, Executive Director of IWITTS, delivered a Plenary Speech at the Cisco Systems Network Academy Conference in Houston, Texas, entitled "Workforce of the Future: Preparing Students to Live, Work and Learn In the 21st Century"

Click here to read Donna Milgram's plenary speech to the Cisco Systems Network Academy Conference on July 11, 1999.

Online Training on Recruiting and Retaining Women

An online training using Placeware software was conducted by Donna Milgram for CNAP instructors in the U.S. on how to recruit and retain women and girls. The presentation received the following participant comments:

"It was very organized, easy to do, and had no "glitches". Wonderful experience. Additionally, it was relative to what I am doing and provided A LOT of good information I can really use. Great job!"

"Looked like an interesting piece of software. I was pleased at the amount of research that you are doing. Nice slides and collection of links. Liked getting introduced to the emerging web sites."

Final Thoughts

The Cisco Gender Initiative has continued beyond IWITTS's earlier involvement, and includes a vibrant international component. The Cisco Learning Institute has a strong commitment to women in information technology, both in the United States and throughout the world. Visit the home page of the project for more information on Cisco and CLI's excellent Gender Initiative project.