Lynn students benefit from computer program

LYNN – Chris Crowell not only knows how to troubleshoot computer problems, he can also build a computer. And he learned it all at English High School, thanks to a partnership with international networking provider Cisco Systems, Inc.Crowell, a junior, and 34 fellow students have attained information technology fundamental certification through courses they took at English using a Cisco-designed curriculum.?There?s been an explosion in information technology and there is a skills gap. Cisco has made a massive commitment to closing that gap,” said technical education consultant Kevin R. Geaney.English secured a partnership in 2000 with California-based Cisco beginning with 75 students enrolled in information technology courses. The number of students enrolled in the courses now totals 100, said Geaney and Cisco instructor and English graduate P.J. Holey.Crowell and English seniors Zack Wade and Jacob Hodgdon have taken information technology courses from one year to the next at English, assembling the skills and the certifications that Geaney said will make them strong competitors for jobs with minimum $34,000 annual starting salaries.?Getting trained to be an IT technician today is like being trained to be a General Electric machinist in the 1930s,” Geaney said.Hodgdon, Crowell and Wade are comfortable enough with information technology skills to trade technical phrases like “default gate” and “network address” with one another and with Holey. Part of their Cisco training focuses on setting up a computer network in a small business and making it work. The trio have also learned how to tackle computer problems while explaining what isn?t working in a network to a businessperson using language they can understand.?I?ve learned how to quickly solve problems,” Hodgdon said.All three teenagers have college plans. Wade said his Cisco skills are marketable and can be combined with what he learns in college. Crowell said he signed up in his sophomore year to take Cisco courses for the opportunity to tear apart and rebuild computers.?My guidance counselor asked if I liked computers and I said, ?Yes,? but I don?t want to sit around typing,” he said.Cisco classes at English range in size from a dozen to 25 students. Geaney said 60 percent of high school Cisco training participants successfully complete information technology training programs nationally compared to 80 percent at English.?We have such small classes, it makes us understand the information better,” Wade said.Geaney, Lynn?s former city planner, got involved in Cisco six years ago when former English Principal Andrew Fila said the program instructor quit and Fila needed a replacement.?He said, ?I know you aren?t doing anything,?” Geaney said.He has had “a great time” participating in the training and is helping school officials expand Cisco training to Classical, where a second course will be added next year, and Tech, where Cisco will be introduced next year.Geaney ultimately wants to see training expanded to include an independent evaluation program recognized by the information industry and a partnership with a major employment resource firm.Holey credited Cisco?s success at English to dedication shown by Crowell and other students.?I look forward to coming to this class every day,” Crowell said.