The Autodesk academic certification program enables students to earn a credential in recognition of their knowledge of specific Autodesk software applications.
The credential that students earn is the same credential that design professionals earn, but it is offered at an affordable academic price.
Expanded Support of Robotics
2008 marks the 17th consecutive year that Autodesk has sponsored the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), with more than $17 million in funding, software and resources; 2008 also marks the second year that Autodesk is sponsoring the FIRST Tech Challenge
Autodesk's FIRSTbase Website (http://www.autodesk.com/firstbase), a comprehensive resource Autodesk launched for students and mentors in the robotics challenge, is used by more than 80% of FRC teams;
Expanded partnership with Innovation First, Inc. resulted in the launch of RobotEvents.com, a Web portal that helps connect students and educators with engaging robotics pre-engineering programs such as BEST Robotics Competition, Botball Education Robotics Program, FIRST and others.
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Project Lead the Way
Autodesk increased its support for long-time partner Project Lead the Way (PLTW).
200,000 U.S. middle- and high-school students will use Autodesk software to complete project-based coursework in the 2007-2008 school year.
Student Community Gains Momentum
Student and educator registrations on the Autodesk Student Engineering & Design Community (http://www.autodesk.com/edcommunity) have risen to more than 225,000, representing more than 375,000 Autodesk design software downloads from almost 12,000 schools in 129 countries;
Student members get free access to Autodesk design software, step-by-step tutorials and job postings that give them a head-start on academic and professional success, and educators can download curriculum and share best practices in a faculty-only discussion forum.
Student Design Challenge
Autodesk recently launched the "Build Something" Student Design Challenge (http://www.autodesk.com/buildsomething) to encourage students from around the world to showcase their skills in mechanical and industrial design, architecture, civil engineering and animation.
The competition requires student members to demonstrate innovation in their chosen discipline, whether a student union building (architecture), a product redesign (industrial and mechanical engineering), a roadway (civil engineering), or the ultimate superhero (3D and Animation). There is also a bonus award for best sustainable design.
A panel of Autodesk and industry experts from companies such as HOK, AlchemyLabs, Palumbo Motorcars, and Miller Legg will choose the winners in May.
Knowing that today's students face new challenges that didn't exist 30 years ago, Autodesk is committed to supporting educators in preparing students to anticipate the world they will face and equip them with the knowledge, tools, and working skills necessary to address the challenges and opportunities of the next 30 years. Autodesk will continue to expand its support of existing and new programs and partnerships to ensure a bright future for the next generation of engineering and design leaders.
About Autodesk Education
Autodesk is committed to supporting students and educators by providing powerful 2D and 3D design software, innovative programs and resources designed to inspire the next generation of professionals to experience their ideas before they're real. By supporting educators to advance design education and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills, Autodesk is helping prepare students develop for future academic and career success. Autodesk supports schools and institutions of higher learning worldwide through substantial discounts, subscriptions, grant programs, training, curricula development and community resources. For more information about Autodesk education programs and solutions, visit http://www.autodesk.com/education.
About Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc. is the world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art digital prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they're real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation.
