Humber, Cisco join forces for technology-driven education

May 23, 2018 – Humber College and Cisco Canada are launching a five-year initiative to engage students, faculty and companies in maximizing the opportunities presented by cyber, network communication and collaborative digital technologies.

Cisco will provide more than $4 million of equipment and infrastructure to help build and support Humber’s applied research network and activities. Collaborative audio-visual systems using Cisco Webex Teams technology will be installed throughout the Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation (CTI), located at the college’s campus in North Etobicoke, Ont. The CTI will also feature the Cisco Digital Transformation Zone that will showcase new technology and assist small and medium-sized enterprises with the integration of automation and data exchange into manufacturing technologies. In turn, Humber will display how technology is transforming its approach to education and training at the Cisco Innovation Centre in downtown Toronto.  

“By working with Cisco, our students will benefit from access to the latest equipment and expertise in networking and connected infrastructure, helping to ensure they are career-ready,” said Chris Whitaker, president, Humber College. “This collaboration is an example of how our polytechnic model of education connects industry with faculty and students to use emerging technologies to solve real-world business challenges.”

“Cisco is committed to enhancing the educational experience for students and instructors, in order to help ensure students have the skills to meet an increasingly demanding and evolving IT landscape,” said Rola Dagher, president, Cisco Canada. “By working closely with leading institutions like Humber College, we will continue to help to address the IT skills gap in Canada and together drive innovation.”

To support the skills development required to help Canada’s advanced manufacturing sector innovate and compete, Cisco will offer internships and post-graduation employment opportunities for Humber students as well as corporate training. In addition, Cisco has contributed $50,000 towards student scholarships.