One of the most rewarding aspects of my role on the Autodesk education team is the chance to support the next generation of designers and engineers as they prepare for the evolving world of work. I build strong relationships with educators who are equipping students with the skills needed for tomorrow’s jobs.
Over the past five years, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Howard University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering. I’ve led Fusion 360 workshops for students, collaborated with faculty on curriculum development, and ensured that students make the most of their free access to Autodesk’s powerful design software.
To further strengthen our partnership, today I’m proud to announce Autodesk’s generous gift of $1 million to Howard University. This is the largest donation ever received by the university’s mechanical engineering department. The funds will be used to expand its manufacturing and making facilities and enhance services for students. Since the donation is unrestricted, the university can allocate the resources where they are most needed.
“Howard University is deeply grateful for this generous donation from Autodesk,†said Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA, president of Howard University. “Our College of Engineering and Architecture has been producing exceptional engineers for over 115 years, and this gift will help us continue to support our talented students.â€
According to research from Zippia, only 3.1% of mechanical engineers in the U.S. are Black. We believe it’s essential for the workforce to reflect the diversity of our society. By supporting the Mechanical Engineering Department at Howard University, we aim to help increase representation and foster innovation in the field.
Autodesk CEO Andrew Anagnost has long been a supporter of Howard University’s mission. “Autodesk is committed to helping the next generation prepare for the future of work,†he said. “The students at Howard are future innovators, and we’re honored to provide them with the tools and resources they need to succeed.â€
John M. M. Anderson, dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture, shared his excitement: “Mechanical engineering is evolving rapidly, and HBCUs like Howard are meeting the demand with highly trained engineers. We thank Autodesk for continuing to invest in our students’ success.â€
Nadir Yilmaz, chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, has been a key partner in integrating Autodesk technology into the curriculum. He was an early adopter of Fusion 360 and generative design, and even wrote a paper on his findings. His leadership has helped bring cutting-edge technology to students.
“We are committed to training the next generation of engineers,†said Nadir. “The value that Autodesk places on our program speaks volumes about the quality of our graduates.â€
In addition to working with the mechanical engineering department, Autodesk has also partnered with other departments at Howard University. We’ve supported research projects in electrical engineering and computer science, and participated in the HBCU Tech Program, which provides paid externships to students.
Through the HBCU Tech Program, Howard students worked on real-world projects alongside Autodesk teams, gaining valuable experience in areas like robotics security and manufacturing workflows. This initiative aligns with the HBCU Partnership Challenge and the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act, both of which aim to strengthen ties between companies and historically Black colleges and universities.
Working with the students and faculty at Howard University has been a truly inspiring experience. It’s heartening to see so many bright, passionate young minds ready to shape the future. Through this gift and our ongoing relationship, we hope to create more opportunities for the next generation of Black engineers and innovators.
Learn more about Autodesk’s efforts to support education and the future of work.
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