The Cisco Networking Academy Program is a public, private partnership between Cisco, governments, educational institutions, non- governmental organizations and industry created to teach students how to design, build and maintain IT networks and infrastructure. The courses deliver web-based content, online assessment, student performance tracking, hands-on labs, instructor training and support, and preparation for industry standard certifications. The curriculum has been developed by Cisco Systems through its worldwide experience of IT needs and reflects ongoing enhancements to raise the bar for over 10,000 academies in 160 countries worldwide. To date more than 488,000 students have enrolled in academies operating in high schools, colleges and universities around the world- Said Hashem Shahwan, Area Academy Manager for Cisco Systems Saudi Arabia. 

The Regional Academy will offer courses in CCNA for studnets to prepare for industry-recognized certification and IT careers. KFUPM plans to partnet with local businesses seeking IT professinoals who have hands-on skills with the latest technology to place graduates. In addition to networking and IT skills, The curricula also reinforces 21st Century skills, IT literacy, problem solving, communication and working with others from different backgrounds. For further information, click here​.