NACME and Autodesk Partner to Launch Engineering Design Boot Camp for Underrepresented Students

Alexandria, VA – June 20, 2024 –

The National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) is pleased to announce its second-year collaboration with Autodesk to launch an intensive nine-week engineering design boot camp for rising sophomore engineering students. This initiative, which kicked off earlier this month, underscores Autodesk’s exceptional commitment to diversity in STEM education and their support for underrepresented students.

Following the resounding success of last year’s pilot program, where 100% of participants achieved certification in Autodesk Fusion, this year’s NACME Engineering Design Boot Camp promises to build on that success. Sponsored by Autodesk and hosted on the campus of the University of Georgia, the boot camp provides engineering students with coursework to advance their studies, coupled with certification in Autodesk Fusion. Led by Autodesk Learning Partners, this nine-week experience offers rising sophomores 120 hours of specialized training for certification in Autodesk Fusion software. To conclude the experience, students will participate in an all-expenses-covered, three-day onsite externship at Autodesk.

Autodesk, a dedicated NACME board company, not only contributes to a scholarship pool ensuring renewable funding for over 1,000 students and their families but also goes above and beyond by supporting comprehensive summer programs like this boot camp. The boot camp allows participants to take accelerated second-year courses such as calculus or mechanics while simultaneously earning an Autodesk certification in design software like Autodesk Fusion.

The program includes a two-day externship at an Autodesk office, offering students a firsthand look at real-world engineering careers. This experience is designed to integrate academic coursework with in-demand technical skills training from industry experts, preparing students for the professional engineering environment.

The University of Georgia will provide faculty, facilities, and program support, while Autodesk will lead the certification instruction and externship. The program's effectiveness will be evaluated based on its impact on student achievement, retention, and workforce readiness, with a focus on underrepresented engineering students. This scalable model aims to expand certification and externship opportunities in partnership with other companies, creating a broader impact on the engineering pipeline.

Program Highlights

• Academic and Technical Training: Students will undertake an accelerated second-year course and take an exam for an Autodesk Fusion certification, equipping them with critical academic and technical skills.

• Real-World Exposure: Students will undertake an accelerated second-year course and take an exam for an Autodesk Fusion certification, equipping them with critical academic and technical skills.

• Integrated Learning: The program blends core engineering courses with technical certifications and corporate connections, enhancing career readiness.

• Diversity and Inclusion: This initiative aims to increase diversity in the engineering field by supporting underrepresented students.

Amy Bunszel, Executive Vice President of Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Design Solutions at Autodesk, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “At Autodesk, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. Our partnership with NACME reflects our commitment to nurturing the next generation of engineers by providing them with the skills, experiences, and opportunities they need to succeed. This boot camp is a testament to our dedication to diversity and inclusion in the engineering workforce.”

Call to Action for Corporate Support

NACME invites companies to join us in this crucial initiative by contributing financial and human resources to our efforts. Your support will help ensure America’s continued leadership in innovation by fostering a diverse and talented workforce. By investing in these students, companies are not only contributing to their individual success but also to the broader goal of national economic growth and technological advancement.

How to Contribute

Companies and individuals interested in supporting NACME’s initiatives can make donations here or contact our development office via Chris Greaves and Melissa Bailey at contributions@nacme.org. Every contribution will impact the lives of these students and the future of our nation's technological landscape.

About NACME

The National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the representation of under-represented minorities in engineering and computer science. NACME provides scholarships, educational support, and professional development resources to students and works closely with academic institutions and corporate partners to build a more diverse and inclusive STEM workforce.

For more information about NACME and our programs, please contact Melissa Bailey, Marketing and Development Manager, at socialmedia@nacme.org.

This press release is intended to encourage widespread support and awareness of NACME’s efforts to create a more inclusive and competitive engineering workforce. We look forward to collaborating with our corporate partners, university representatives, and supporters to make this initiative a resounding success.