鶹Ƶ has been quietly powering the future of tech talent in Central Washington — one router, one certification and one student at a time.
This year, YVC celebrates a quarter-century as a — a designation that connects the college to a global network of more than 12,100 academies in 191 countries, serving 4.7 million students annually. As part of this influential group, YVC equips students with the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly connected and tech-driven world.
“۳հ’s continued designation as a Cisco Networking Academy is critical for us in being able to train students to enter the workforce,” said David Dalton, information technology instructor. “It’s something that is taught locally but used globally.”
The Cisco Networking Academy is Cisco’s worldwide IT education initiative, offering students access to industry-standard curriculum, hands-on labs, and pathways to essential certifications which are recognized by employers around the world and often serve as a launchpad for careers in networking, cybersecurity and IT support.
۳հ’s information technology program includes beginner, intermediate and advanced courses, all taught using state-of-the-art equipment and supported by a parent institution in California that helps ensure faculty stay current with evolving standards.
“Instructors are evaluated after every class and annually to maintain compliance with Cisco’s high standards,” said Stef Apperson, information technology instructor. “That accountability ensures our students are getting the best possible preparation.”
TOP: Students check out the inner workings of a computer in an Managing & Maintaining The PC (IT 160) class taught by Instructor Larry Frazier. ABOVE: Students work on network fundamentals in a recent lab.
Dalton was recently recognized in the top 10% of Cisco Networking Academy instructors worldwide, based on student evaluations and exam performance — an honor he’s received twice.
“It’s a reflection of the work we do here and the commitment we have to our students,” Dalton said.
That commitment is also evident in the work of instructor Peter Udo, who recently earned recertifications in both Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and cybersecurity to better support his students.
“It brings a different perspective to courses being taught at YVC,” said Udo. “It also helps me better support students by answering their questions about certification exams and helping them prepare.”
Students who complete both a degree and a Cisco certification are more attractive candidates to employers, said Apperson.
Before college, Jhace Andre Zamora Dela Cruz wasn’t sure what he wanted to do.
“I liked working with computers, but I didn’t have a clear direction,” said Zamora Dela Cruz. “When it came time to choose a college, I still felt lost.”
Then, his older brother suggested the younger Zamora Dela Cruz explore further education in computer science or information technology.
“I didn’t really know the difference between the two, but I leaned toward IT because it sounded more hands-on,” said Zamora Dela Cruz. “That’s what led me to Yakima Valley College — and what really sealed the deal was learning that YVC is a Cisco Networking Academy.”
Once he started taking IT classes, ۳հ’s knowledgeable instructors were able to explain the difference and help him focus his goals.
Instructor Peter Udo lectures on the difference between default containers and operational units during class.
“They broke it down in a way that made sense,” Zamora Dela Cruz said. “IT is about maintaining and supporting systems — both hardware and software — while computer science focuses more on coding and developing new systems and applications.”
That conversation helped everything click.
“I realized I wanted to be in a field where I could work directly with technology, solving problems and keeping systems running. ۳հ’s Cisco Networking Academy gave me a clear path forward and connected my high school interests with real-world skills. It helped me feel confident that I was in the right place,” said Zamora Dela Cruz.
Now Zamora Dela Cruz is excited to continue his education in the fall as part of the next cohort of ۳հ’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Technology Networking – System Administration program.
As YVC looks ahead to the next 25 years, its role as a Cisco Networking Academy remains a cornerstone of its mission to provide accessible, high-quality education that meets the needs of a rapidly changing workforce.
“This program is about more than just technology,” Dalton said. “It’s about giving students the tools to build a future — and the confidence to know they belong in this field.”
Story by Stefanie Menard, AA-DTA ’05, communications consultant. Photos by Matt Barton, graphic designer/multimedia content producer and Juan Padilla, public relations student assistant.