Autodesk announced a $1.95 million donation to Howard University to support the development of a new construction engineering and management program, alongside the opening of a new makerspace within the university’s College of Engineering and Architecture.
The investment builds on a longstanding partnership between Autodesk and Howard University, aimed at expanding access to hands-on learning, industry-grade tools, and career pathways in engineering, design, and construction. The funding will help establish an academic program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in a construction industry undergoing rapid digital transformation.
The newly launched makerspace serves as a collaborative hub where students can design, prototype, and test ideas using advanced technologies, including AI-powered design tools, digital fabrication systems, and virtual reality environments. The facility is intended to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application by giving students access to the same tools and workflows used by industry professionals.
The initiative comes at a time when the construction sector, representing nearly $2 trillion in economic activity in the United States, faces a growing workforce shortage and increasing demand for digitally skilled talent. The new program will equip students with interdisciplinary expertise spanning engineering, project management, and digital construction practices.
The makerspace, which spans approximately 3,400 square feet, includes areas for advanced manufacturing, computer-aided design, and collaborative work, and will support students across multiple disciplines. It will also serve as a platform for outreach initiatives, introducing younger students to STEM education through hands-on experiences.
The expansion follows a previous $5 million contribution from Autodesk in 2024, which helped fund the makerspace’s equipment, technology, and educational programming. Together, these investments reflect a broader effort to prepare a more diverse and technologically skilled workforce for the future of design, engineering, and construction.
KEY QUOTES:
“Our partnership with Howard University is rooted in a shared belief: that talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t yet. We’re committed to supporting Howard students and neighboring communities with the tools and technology they need to step into the jobs of the future. Howard’s unwavering commitment to excellence, service, and truth is what makes this partnership possible. They are turning academic excellence into economic possibility, and Autodesk is proud to stand beside them. This is what happens when we stop talking about expanding opportunity and start building the spaces where it lives.”
Dara Treseder, CMO, Autodesk
“This investment reflects the strength of our partnership with Autodesk and our shared commitment to preparing students to lead in a technology-driven world. At Howard University, we are grounded in a longstanding tradition of intellectual rigor and a commitment to innovation, ensuring our students are not only learning, but doing, with the tools and experiences to make an immediate impact.”
Wayne A. I. Frederick, Interim President And President Emeritus, Howard University
“The makerspace builds on a longstanding collaboration between Autodesk and Howard faculty, who have integrated Autodesk software into coursework. Autodesk shares our goal of educating a prepared workforce ready to contribute immediately in engineering, design, construction, and advanced manufacturing jobs.”
Kimberly L. Jones, Dean, College Of Engineering And Architecture, Howard University
