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One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role on the Autodesk education team is the chance to support the next generation of designers and engineers as they get ready for the future of work. I've formed strong connections with educators who are equipping students with the sought-after skills needed for tomorrow's jobs.
Over the past five years, I've had the privilege of collaborating with Howard University’s Mechanical Engineering Department. I've conducted Fusion 360 workshops for students, teamed up with educators on developing curricula, and made sure students fully utilize their free access to Autodesk's professional-grade design software.
Today, I'm thrilled to highlight Autodesk's generous $1 million donation to Howard University. This is the largest single contribution ever made to Howard's mechanical engineering department. The funds will be used to enhance the department's manufacturing and making facilities, as well as improve student services. Since the donation is unrestricted, university leadership can allocate the funds wherever they're most needed.
Howard University President Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick expressed gratitude, saying, "We are deeply appreciative of this donation from Autodesk, which will enable us to better support our talented students."
According to research from Zippia, only 3.1% of mechanical engineers in the U.S. are Black. We recognize the importance of having a workforce that reflects the diversity of our world, and by supporting Howard University's Mechanical Engineering Department, we hope to contribute to increasing diversity in manufacturing and engineering fields.
Our relationship with Howard University has always been strong. Andrew Anagnost, Autodesk's CEO, is a strong advocate for the work happening there. "At Autodesk, we’re committed to preparing the next generation for the future of work," he said. "With our gift, we’re proud to help ensure these students have access to the tools and resources they need to succeed in their careers."
John M. M. Anderson, Dean of Howard University’s College of Engineering and Architecture, echoed this sentiment, expressing excitement about how this donation will help equip students with essential skills for the modern workforce.
Dr. Nadir Yilmaz, chair of the Mechanical Engineering department, has been instrumental in integrating new technologies into the curriculum. He was one of the first to adopt Fusion 360 and even wrote a paper detailing his experiences. His forward-thinking approach has set a high standard for other institutions.
Autodesk has also worked with other departments at Howard, providing support for research projects in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Additionally, through our HBCU Tech Program, we've offered paid externships to Howard students, giving them hands-on experience in areas like robotics security and manufacturing processes.
As part of our broader commitment to HBCUs, this program aligns with initiatives like the HBCU Partnership Challenge and the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act, which aims to fund necessary infrastructure improvements at HBCUs.
Partnering with Howard University has been incredibly inspiring. Witnessing these bright, young minds in action fills me with optimism for the future. Through our ongoing partnership and support, we hope to create more opportunities for the next generation of Black engineers.
For more information about Autodesk's efforts to support education and the future of work, check out our website.