LEBANON — Some Lebanon High School students are learning computer skills that should help them find well-paying jobs and, in the meantime, provide the schools with some on-site computer-maintainence technicians.

        Forty students here are among 135,462 students worldwide who are enrolled in the Cisco Systems Networking Academy Program, which enables students to learn to design, build and maintain computer networking systems.

Bill Sears, superintendent of Lebanon City Schools joins students (from left) Tony Bunce, 17; Ryan Traud, 17, and Josh Rose, 18 (standing). (Gary Landers photo) | ZOOM |

        Cisco has been designing computer networks for schools across the country since 1993, but in 1997 launched an initiative to also train students in building and maintaining the systems as a way to provide new workers for the future.

        The two-year, 560-hour program is taught in a semester format and is entirely Web-based, with online testing.

        Tony Bunce and Chris Fisher were able to get jobs this summer at GO Concepts, a local Internet provider, with what they had learned in the program.

        “This class got me a job,” said Mr. Fisher, a senior who intends to pursue a degree in either business or computer science.

        Nicole Crawford, instructor in the Cisco lab, said there are advantages to students who take the classes and earn the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associates) certification.

        Students can earn from $20,000 to $40,000 right out of high school. Students who go on to college have an even greater earning potential and can test out of introductory computer classes. And students in the program can search an online database of employers, who have joined with Cisco to offer not only internships but job placement.

        Ms. Crawford, who received training from Cisco to teach the classes, said 23 students are enrolled in the first-year program and 17 students are in the second year. The first-year curriculum teaches networking concepts, reading and studying acronyms. The second-year program is strictly hands-on training.

        The school district invested $75,000 to buy computers and equipment needed for the Cisco lab, then began reaping the benefits.

        In the past, the school used computer technicians in the private sector, which proved expensive at times. Now students, who are paid between $7 to $9 an hour, can do the work, and gain experience at the same time.

        Senior Logan Stringer was hired this summer to run cable wires and repair computers in the elementary schools during the summer. Logan,who plans to continue his computer studies, felt the program is a good step for anyone planning a career in computer technology.

        John Kemnitz, also a senior, used his skills acquired in the classroom to add voice mail to the district's computers and upgraded and added additional programs to the computer system.

        “Technology is the way to go,” said senior Josh Rose. “You use it every day; it's all around you.”

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