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 build their futures. I work closely with educators who are equipping students with the essential skills needed for tomorrow's jobs. Over the past five years, I've had the privilege of collaborating with the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Howard University. I've led Fusion 360 workshops for students, worked alongside faculty on curriculum development, and ensured that students make full use of their free access to Autodesk’s professional design software.
To further strengthen our partnership, I'm proud to announce a significant gift from Autodesk: $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, as well as enhance services for students. Because the funding is unrestricted, university leadership can allocate it where it's most needed, ensuring long-term impact and growth.
"Howard University is deeply grateful for this generous donation from Autodesk," said Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, President of Howard University. "Our College of Engineering and Architecture has been producing world-class engineers for over 115 years, and this gift will help us continue to support and empower our talented students."
According to Zippia, only 3.1% of mechanical engineers in the U.S. are Black. We believe it's crucial for the workforce to reflect the diversity of our society. By supporting Howard University's Mechanical Engineering Department, we aim to help increase representation and provide students with the tools and resources they need to succeed in the evolving field of engineering.
Autodesk CEO Andrew Anagnost has long been a strong advocate for the work happening at Howard University. "At Autodesk, we're committed to helping the next generation prepare for the future of work," he said. "With our gift, we're honored to play a role in ensuring that students have the resources and technology they need to thrive in their careers."
John M. M. Anderson, Dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture, shared his excitement. "Mechanical engineering is changing rapidly, and HBCUs like Howard are meeting the demand with highly skilled graduates. We thank Autodesk for continuing to invest in our students' success."
Throughout our partnership, the faculty at Howard University has embraced collaboration opportunities with Autodesk. Nadir Yilmaz, Chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, has been a key leader in integrating Autodesk technologies into the curriculum. He was one of the first to adopt Fusion 360 and generative design, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach that brings cutting-edge tools to students.
"We are committed to training the next generation of top engineers at Howard University," said Yilmaz. "The value that Autodesk places on our programs speaks volumes about the quality of education we provide."
In addition to working with the mechanical engineering department, Autodesk has also partnered with other departments at Howard University. Through the HBCU Tech Program, students in computer science and electrical engineering have participated in paid externships at Autodesk, gaining hands-on experience on real-world projects.
This initiative aligns with Autodesk’s broader commitment to HBCUs through programs like the HBCU Partnership Challenge and the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act, which aim to foster stronger connections between industry and higher education institutions.
Partnering with the students and faculty at Howard University has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It's inspiring to see the creativity and potential of these young minds. Through continued collaboration and support, we hope to open more doors 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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