Elizabeth City, N.C. — Elizabeth City State University’s (ECSU) Tech Ed Development (T.E.D.) Program has partnered with Juniper Networks Cloud and Automation Academy (JNCAAM) to provide students with hands-on training, access to industry-recognized certifications, and real-world experience in next-generation networking. 

Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry  

The collaboration closes the distance between what is taught in classrooms and what is needed in the workforce. ECSU’s T.E.D. students will now have free access to self-paced online courses, cloud-based labs, and discounted certification vouchers—resources that go beyond the textbook and into the heart of cloud networking, automation, cybersecurity and Mist AI. 

"This partnership gives our students a significant edge," says Chancellor S. Keith Hargrove, Sr. "They’ll graduate with skills that employers want, and with experience that sets them apart."  

Industry Certifications for a Future-Ready Workforce 

Through JNCAAM, T.E.D. students can pursue key certifications like: 

  • Juniper Networks Certified Associate, Automation and DevOps (JNCIA-DevOps): This certification is designed for those starting out in network automation, covering essentials like the Junos Automation Stack, XML/NETCONF, Ansible, Python/PyEZ and REST APIs.  
  • Juniper Networks Certified Associate, Mist AI (JNCIA-MistAI): Aimed at wireless networking beginners, this certification focuses on Juniper’s Mist AI platform, equipping students with the basics of WLAN technology and showing how artificial intelligence can optimize network performance. 

According to university officials, these certifications are more than just lines on a resume—they’re proof that ECSU students are ready to contribute to technical fields where demand is high and growing.  

Real-World Progression, Real-World Skills  

ECSU’s T.E.D. Program is built around progressive IT tracks that mirror the journey from student to professional, including: 

  • Instructional Technology Support Specialist (First Year) 
  • Computer Lab Systems Technician (Second Year) 
  • Network Support Administrator (Third Year) 
  • Cybersecurity Operations Analyst (Fourth Year)  

Through every step, students gain practical experience—not just in labs, but through direct work with ECSU’s own IT professionals. By graduation, T.E.D. students will have a portfolio of projects and a toolkit of marketable IT skills.  

Looking Ahead 

The partnership between ECSU’s T.E.D. Program and JNCAAM is an opportunity for students to build confidence, make industry connections and launch careers in a fast-changing tech landscape.  

For more information about the T.E.D. Program or the new JNCAAM partnership, visit ecsu.edu/information-technology/ted.php or contact the ECSU Department of Technology. 

About JNCAAM 

The Juniper Networks Cloud and Automation Academy is a global initiative to empower academic institutions with authorized training in network technologies. JNCAAM provides participating schools with curriculum, lab equipment, and instructor materials, all designed to prepare students for high-demand roles in IT. ECSU’s inclusion in this program is a testament to its commitment to offering relevant, forward-looking education.