Dar Al-Kalima Academy > Academic Programs > Communication > Cisco Academy

Cisco Networking Academy

The International Center of Bethlehem's Dar Al-Kalima Academy began its first Cisco Networking Academy course, IT Essentials I: PC Hardware and Software on August 30, 2004. The course, open to people in the Bethlehem area, focuses on giving student hands-on experience with a host of important computer hardware and software issues.

The International Center of Bethlehem is the first organization to become an authorized Cisco Systems Networking Academy venue. Students will graduate with a certificate of completion.

The academy focuses on hands-on experience including building, configuring and maintaining personal computers as well as the set and configuration of local area networks.

As part of ICB’s central mission of women’s empowerment, ICB has offered the course at a discounted rate for women. One third of the course’s thirty participants are women.

According to Cisco Systems, “Students can apply classroom learnings to actual technology challenges, which ultimately prepares tomorrow's workforce for life-long learning opportunities.”

In addition, “the Cisco Networking Academy Program helps bridge the gap between those who can effectively use new technology and communication tools, such as the Internet, and those who cannot.” Cisco has been active in developing countries in helping to close the gap between the haves and have-nots.

Each participant graduates with a certificate of completion and invaluable experience for the workplace. In addition ICB’s program prepares students to take the A+ certification and sets the foundation for further study.