Cisco Donates To Schools In Gulf Coast Region

As part of efforts to rebuild educational infrastructure in the Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina, Cisco and certain of its executives have pledged $40 million in cash, equipment, and services. The money will target poorer school districts and individual schools that already have Internet access but would benefit from wireless technology and Internet-based video and phone services, according to the company. John T. Chambers, CEO of Cisco, said the rebuilding efforts provide opportunities to improve technology services in affected schools and to serve as a model for other districts around the nation. Chambers has personally pledged $2 million, while John P. Morgridge, chairman of Cisco, has committed to providing $10 million.

New York Times, 26 October 2005 (registration req’d)