Business
Autodesk supports STEM ed
Company calls for an investment in education, as with its support for engineering program for high schoolers and robotic competition.
As warnings of the repercussions of market globalization and cutbacks for STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and math) become louder, private companies are stepping up to fill the gap.
One example is Autodesk, the developer of CAD, post-production and 3D animation tools, which has pledged its support for investing in STEM subjects, reports The Journal.
Autodesk announced the proposed initiatives at the company's first-annual World Press Day event. The initiatives support teaching STEM subjects through software, funding and competitions for students.
"Due to the gradual and subtle effects of globalization, the United States has seen a steady decline in engineering and manufacturing jobs," that company said in a prepared statement. "This means that now is a crucial time for leaders in the business community to invest in education."
Some examples of Autodesk's current and future contributions:
- Investing in Project Lead the Way, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of pre-engineering instruction for middle- and high-school students.
- Supporting the FIRST Robotics Competition. Autodesk donated about $17 million in software and support to the program this year.