Student Workbook
Receive a realistic work order
Students begin with a clear role, assignment, objectives, and definition of success.
Ages 13–16 · No experience required
Give your teen a head start in IT.
A story-driven networking academy where teens learn by doing—configuring equipment, solving support tickets, and stepping into the role of a Junior Network Administrator.
Use code LAUNCH5 at checkout. Regularly $24.95; launch price $19.95. Offer ends September 1, 2026.
FIRST ASSIGNMENTPrepare a Cisco switch for deployment
Ages 13–16Beginner friendlyHands-on practiceSelf-pacedCertificate included
For the parent wondering where to begin
Turn their interest in technology into something they can actually do.
Most IT training is designed for adults. Network Launch Academy gives curious teens a welcoming first experience—without watering down the technology. They receive clear guidance, realistic assignments, and room to build confidence at their own pace.
See inside Module 1
Real course materials. Real networking assignments.
Parents can see exactly what students receive before enrolling. These previews come directly from the Module 1 Student Workbook and Guided Walkthroughs.
Guided Support
Get help when it is needed
Optional walkthroughs explain the commands, checkpoints, and purpose behind each step.
Troubleshooting
Investigate a broken network
Students use reported symptoms and verification skills to diagnose and repair configuration problems.
Enroll Your Teen — Save $5
Click any preview to view a larger sample page.
Not another watch-and-forget course
They step into the story.
Every assignment connects to the next, so students see a company network grow while their responsibilities grow with it.
01Receive the ticket
Understand the assignment
A realistic work order explains the situation, objective, and definition of success.
02Work the problem
Configure and investigate
Guided walkthroughs help students use Cisco commands and understand why each step matters.
03Verify the result
Troubleshoot like an engineer
Broken configurations challenge students to gather evidence, repair the issue, and document the fix.
SYSTEMS ONLINE
What they practice in Module 1
Real skills. Clear progress. A first win in IT.
- 01Configure a Cisco switchNavigate the IOS command line and apply a professional baseline.
- 02Secure remote accessSet up switch management and understand why SSH matters.
- 03Build department VLANsOrganize a network and assign devices to the right segments.
- 04Diagnose broken configurationsUse verification commands instead of guessing at the answer.
A pathway designed to grow
Four modules. One connected journey.
Begin with one switch. Continue toward a connected, routed, secured business network as new modules launch.
01Enrolling now
Switch Foundations
Configure, secure, and segment a Cisco switch through three connected assignments.
- Cisco IOS
- SSH access
- VLANs
02Coming next
Building the LAN
Expand beyond one switch and learn how devices communicate across a growing network.
- Trunking
- Inter-VLAN routing
- STP
03In development
Network Services
Add the services and routing that help a business network operate at scale.
- EtherChannel
- DHCP
- OSPF
04Planned
Security & Connectivity
Control traffic, strengthen the network, and connect the final environment.
- Standard ACLs
- Extended ACLs
- NAT
Inside Module 1
Everything they need to keep moving.
The course is designed to be complete on its own. Guidance is available when students need it, but the goal is to help them become more independent with every assignment.
See the complete Module 1 curriculum →3Connected Packet Tracer labs
9Troubleshooting assignments
3Guided walkthroughs
1Student workbook
✓Reference configurations
★Completion certificate
What happens after purchase
From checkout to the first assignment.
- 01Complete checkout
Enroll securely through the existing Module 1 Payhip page.
- 02Access the course
Open the online course and find the workbook, walkthroughs, and lab downloads together.
- 03Start with “Start Here”
Follow the recommended order and begin the first switch-deployment assignment.
One-time purchase · Permanent access · No subscription
A guide behind the guide
Built to make the first step feel possible.
I’m Brandon Rowe, a network administrator and the founder of Network Launch Academy.
I created NLA because talent is everywhere, but access to practical technology education is not. My goal is to give Black youth and families with limited resources an affordable, encouraging way to explore IT, develop real skills, and see themselves building a future in technology.
Students do more than memorize commands. They learn how to approach an assignment, configure real networking environments, verify their work, troubleshoot problems, and keep going when something breaks.
Network Launch Academy centers young people who have historically had less access to technology education while welcoming every student who is ready to learn.
Brandon Rowe Founder · Network Administrator
Questions parents ask
Know exactly what you’re enrolling them in.
Does my teen need previous IT experience?
No. Module 1 starts with the foundations and includes guided walkthroughs that explain what to do, why it matters, and how to verify the result.
What age is the program designed for?
The recommended age is 13–16. Older beginners are welcome too. Students should be comfortable reading instructions, typing commands, and working independently with occasional adult support.
What equipment is required?
Students need a Windows or Mac computer that can run Cisco Packet Tracer and an internet connection to access the course. Packet Tracer is available at no additional cost through Cisco.
Is this a live class?
Module 1 is self-paced. Students receive the workbook, guided walkthroughs, Packet Tracer activities, reference configurations, and troubleshooting assignments so they can learn on their own schedule.
Will this guarantee my child a job?
No course can guarantee employment. Network Launch Academy gives students an early, practical introduction to networking and experience they can describe when exploring future classes, certifications, internships, and entry-level opportunities.
How does student support work?
Students who meet Discord’s minimum age can use the Academy’s support community. Parents can also contact the Academy directly at brandontcp24@gmail.com.
Their IT journey can start here
Give curiosity somewhere to go.
Module 1 is a self-paced, hands-on introduction to networking for teens ready to explore what working in IT can feel like.
MODULE 1Switch FoundationsOne-time purchase · Permanent accessEnroll Your Teen — Save $5 →
Use code LAUNCH5 at checkout. Regularly $24.95; launch price $19.95. Offer ends September 1, 2026.