Introduction
Program Overview
Created to help selected Louisiana and Mississippi schools affected by Hurricane Katrina, the 21st Century Schools Program is a bold and exciting program whose primary goal is to improve and expand learning opportunities for students by integrating technology into everyday classroom activities. Think digital whiteboards that let students interact with the curriculum, or exciting classroom expeditions on the World Wide Web that let students dig deeper into today's lesson.
To achieve the 21S vision of technology-enabled learning, Cisco has set up technology grant funds, donated equipment, and dedicated "Cisco 21S Fellows" to provide expertise in educational governance, curriculum development, teacher training, e-learning and the use of technology in schools. Technology-savvy local residents have been trained by 21S program supporter Digital Opportunity Trust 
to provide support and training at schools and school districts.
Program History
Hurricane Katrina, one of the deadliest and costliest natural disasters in the history of the United States, destroyed entire communities in Louisiana and Mississippi when it touched down on the Gulf Coast in August 2005. Cisco Systems stepped in to lend its considerable technology resources to the relief effort, in particular by helping federal, state and local agencies rebuild networks, deploy communications systems, establish call centers and build databases to support shelter operations.
Cisco wanted to make a longer-lasting commitment to the rebuilding efforts and believed that improving the quality of education in the region would enhance economic opportunities for Gulf Coast communities. So, in October 2005, Cisco announced it would invest $40 million over three years and, together with a coalition of Program Supporters launched 21S.
21S Objectives
By seamlessly integrating technology into learning, Cisco and its 21S program supporters hope to deliver a richer education experience to tens of thousands of students and teachers in Mississippi and Louisiana. Based on the lessons learned and successes in these schools, 21S will also be used as a blueprint for transforming other schools into 21st century models.
But the impact of 21S will be felt beyond schools; Cisco and the other 21S program supporters believe that enhanced students outcomes will also translate into more successful communities. At the same time, improvements in communications infrastructure brought about by 21S will further encourage the development of a new Gulf Coast economy.
The 21S Vision
The 21S vision is defined by the following principles:
- World-Class Education where students can hold their own with peers around the world because they have world-class teachers and access to content, curriculum and personalized learning that produces documented improvements in student outcomes.
- Connected Schools, Connected Communities that drive community involvement through a seamlessly connected network, inclusive of students, teachers, parents, administrators and citizens.
- Exemplary Administration characterized by efficiency, transparency, productivity and insight, and enabled by integrated assessments, applications and networks.
- Teachers First, which means providing best-in-class resources, educational technology and support with continuous and ongoing professional development.
- Student Centered learning that helps students reach their highest potential and equips them with 21st century skills through anywhere, anytime access to best-in-class localized curriculum and integrated assessment.
Learn more about 21S
What to find out more about 21S? Click here to download a detailed presentation about the program.