🎉Autodesk Partners with Howard University to Fuel the Next Generation of HBCU Engineers.
Imagine walking into a vibrant, 3,400-square-foot hub where HBCU students are designing, prototyping, and building the future using the same cutting-edge tools professionals rely on every day. That’s now a reality at Howard University thanks to a powerful collaboration with Autodesk.
On April 16, 2026, Autodesk announced a $1.95 million unrestricted donation to Howard University’s College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA). The gift will help launch a brand-new Construction Engineering Management program while simultaneously celebrating the grand opening of the CEA Makerspace — a collaborative space focused on AI-powered design and digital fabrication.
This latest investment builds directly on Autodesk’s 2024 $5 million contribution — the largest unrestricted philanthropic gift in the college’s history — that first brought the Makerspace vision to life.
Why This Partnership Matters for HBCU Students and the Construction Industry
The construction sector in the United States is massive — nearly $2 trillion in economic activity — yet it faces a serious workforce shortage with hundreds of thousands of open positions expected each year for the next decade. Howard University’s new program and Makerspace are designed to meet that demand head-on.
Students will gain interdisciplinary training that combines engineering expertise, design thinking, and modern digital construction skills. Through hands-on coursework and experiential learning, graduates will be ready to lead complex projects from start to finish using integrated project delivery and the latest technology.
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"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.“
"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“
Inside Howard University’s New CEA Makerspace: Where Ideas Become Reality
The newly opened Makerspace is more than just a facility — it’s a true innovation hub serving students across engineering, architecture, computer science, business, and beyond.
Inside the 3,400-square-foot space you’ll find:
A digital fabrication and advanced manufacturing area
A computer and design lab
A dedicated collaboration zone
Students now have access to AI-powered tools, industry-grade computer-aided engineering (CAE) software, virtual reality capabilities, and advanced prototyping equipment. The space also supports senior capstone projects like Formula SAE and AeroDesign, plus outreach programs that introduce younger students to STEM through SAE International’s A World in Motion® (AWIM) PreK-12 curriculum.
"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“
Preparing HBCU Graduates for AI-Driven Careers
Recent data from Autodesk’s Career Readiness Report (conducted by GlobalData) shows that nearly half of U.S. college students don’t feel they’re learning the AI skills needed for future jobs, 70% want more real-world problem-solving classes, and fewer than 40% have access to industry-grade tools.
Howard University is changing that narrative. The new Makerspace and Construction Engineering Management program give students exactly what employers are looking for — the same workflows, technologies, and collaborative environments used in the professional world.
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About Howard University
Howard University, established in 1867, is a leading private research university based in Washington, D.C. With 14 schools and colleges offering 140 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs, Howard leads the nation in producing African Americans with professional doctoral degrees. It is the top-ranked HBCU according to Forbes, the only HBCU with an R1 research designation, and the only HBCU ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s Top 100 National Universities. Learn more at www.howard.edu.
About Autodesk
The world’s designers, engineers, builders, and creators trust Autodesk to help them design and make anything. From buildings and bridges to products, movies, and games, Autodesk’s Design and Make Platform unlocks the power of data to accelerate insights and automate processes. For more information, visit autodesk.com or follow @autodesk.
