St. Clair College Ranks #1 in Canada for Female Students Enrolled in Cisco Network Certified Computer Networking Programs | St. Clair College
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
Cisco Networking students with Patti France
Some of the female students in the Computer Systems Networking programs came together to celebrate the programs achievement, joined by Patti France, President of the College (front row, right).

(Windsor, Ontario) – St. Clair College’s Computer Networking programs, which are Cisco Network Academy certified, are ranked number one in Canada for having the largest enrolment of females in the programs. With 50 female students enrolled, it represents 23% of the student population in these programs. The national average is 13%. The College is also ranked number two in total enrolment in computer networking programs in Canada for 2017.

Computer Networking program coordinator Ruth Susannah is thrilled with the results and says the College has worked hard to maintain a high degree of excellence in the programs. “Having Cisco as a partner has definitely elevated the reputation of these programs. Students know if they want a higher education that leads to great careers in the information technology sector, this is the place to come.”

There has been a surge in the number of female applicants to the programs, many of them are international students. Second year Computer Networking Technician student Trushna Patel, found her passion when she was mentored by Susannah while Patel was taking a different program.

“I really did not have a lot of interest in computer programming or networking until I came to Canada to study,” says Patel. “I was taking International Business when I met Professor Susannah. She convinced me that I would like what this program has to offer and she was right! I got much more hands-on, practical skills, thanks to the CISCO certification. You feel like you’re learning in an environment that is just like being in business.”

Philippe Landry, Cisco Networking Academy Manager for Canada said that Cisco was thrilled with the strides the College has made attracting young women to this career path. “At Cisco Networking Academy, we strive to create relevant, career-ready curriculum, accessible to all students. The fact that St. Clair College nearly doubles the national average for women participating in the Cisco Networking Academy is incredible. We are proud to be partners with such a successful program!”

John Ulakovich, a faculty member in the program, has seen the growth in enrolment over the years, and accredits some of that to the Cisco certification status. “The Cisco designation is recognized all over the world providing curriculum with the latest industry standards,” says Ulakovich. “Working with Cisco as an academic partner has raised the reputation of our program, attracting students from all over the world.” The Computer Networking programs at the College have been certified since 2006.