The East End Community Academy, based at Parkhead Cross, was set up by East End Partnership in conjunction with Cisco Systems, to deliver computer courses and training to people in the East End. The Glasgow Community Planning Partnership assited with the capital costs of establishing the facility, and currently also support with a £158,000 contribution to revenue costs in 2006/07. 
 
As an affiliated member of the Cisco Academy, Microsoft Academy and Comptia Academy programmes, the initiative is able to offer local people the opportunity to gain qualifications that are recognised in industry worldwide as proof of an individual’s skills in computing. These qualifications enable students to compete more effectively in the job market or offer a route into a completely new career within the IT industry. 
 
Since classes commenced in August of 2005, 300 clients have attended the Academy for some form of computer training, taking part in eight formal courses or drop-in sessions. Forty-two of those people achieved a formal or vocational qualification or positive outcome during the last financial year. Many of these students are now undertaking work experience placements or are now in employment.