June 6th 2024.
Howard University, one of the most beloved historically Black colleges and universities in the nation, has always been dedicated to empowering Black students with the necessary tools and knowledge to not only survive in the world, but also to thrive. This mission has been further strengthened by a recent generous contribution from Autodesk, the largest monetary gift the university has ever received.
Autodesk, a leading software company, has made a donation of $5 million to Howard's College of Engineering and Architecture. The funds will be utilized to support students in their pursuit of mastering artificial intelligence, according to a report by ESSENCE. This donation holds great significance for the university, as it will assist in equipping the next generation of engineers with the latest resources and skills needed in today's rapidly evolving world.
Expressing his gratitude, Howard University President Ben Vinson III, Ph.D, stated, "We are immensely grateful for Autodesk's gift to Howard's College of Engineering and Architecture. Howard has always been a leader in producing successful Black engineers, and this donation will further enhance our ability to provide our students with the best education possible. As the competition for entry-level jobs intensifies and the demand for tech and AI skills continues to grow, this contribution is more important than ever."
This donation marks the largest philanthropic donation in Howard's 157-year history with no restrictions on how the funds can be used. As a result, the university plans to equip its engineering school with the necessary innovative tools to incorporate AI and digital transformation into the students' everyday curriculum. Professor and chair of Howard University's Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nadir Yilmaz, Ph.D., P.E., expressed his excitement, saying, "This generous gift, combined with the previous $1 million donation to the Department of Mechanical Engineering, is a testament to our exceptional partnership with Autodesk over the past six years. This collaboration has already resulted in curriculum development using industry-standard software and the graduation of mechanical engineering students with advanced skills. All of these efforts will contribute to the long-term development and sustainability of creating a diverse engineering workforce."
Autodesk, headquartered in San Francisco, has always been committed to promoting diversity in the engineering field. With only 3% of the current US mechanical engineering workforce consisting of Black workers, the company is determined to bridge this gap and prepare future engineers for the ever-changing job market. "At Autodesk, our software not only helps people design and create, but we also shape the future of design and creation," stated Andrew Anagnost, the company's president and CEO. "It is our responsibility to collaborate with educators and industry leaders to prepare students for the workforce of tomorrow, and technology companies like Autodesk play a crucial role in this process. We are honored to support Howard University's students on their journey to building a better future."
Thanks to this generous donation, Howard University is planning to open its Design and Make lab in 2025, further solidifying its position as a leading institution for engineering education. This contribution will have a long-lasting impact on the university's ability to produce diverse and highly skilled engineers who will shape the future of the industry.
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