Access to Industry-Leading Design Software, Programs and Curricula Elevate Teachers and Students to the Head of the Class

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The beginning of the new academic year is here and Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK), a world leader in 2D and 3D design, engineering and entertainment software, is expanding its support for students and educators as they return to campus. Autodesk has announced that it is increasing access to its 2010 offerings, valuable curricula and additional resources for student and teacher communities.

With the goal of supporting the next generation of design professionals, Autodesk offers faculty and institutions complete multidisciplinary suites that group the 2010 releases of the latest technologies used by industry professionals around the world. In addition, educators have access to high-quality training resources, including instructor guides, student workbooks, data sets and videos that reinforce key concepts.

Autodesk's education offerings represent its consistent advocacy for students and educators as well as its dedication to meeting classroom needs by continually updating resources. In fact, schools that have purchased academic licenses for the Autodesk Education Suites line of products can now offer usage on student- and faculty-owned personal computers, making it easier to maintain consistent and predictable software environments for these groups.

"Our commitment to education among the architecture, design, engineering and digital entertainment fields has gained momentum with our newest curricula and expanded access to our Education Suites," said Joe Astroth, Ph.D., Autodesk vice president of Learning and Education. "Our goal is for faculty to gain the educational resources and technical expertise they need to help students prepare for successful careers. We believe these offerings make a substantial impact."

Autodesk's existing Student Expert Program focuses on arming mechanical engineering, architecture and civil engineering students with the real-world skills that can help them be successful in the workforce. Students are selected based on their exceptional performance and faculty recommendations, and receive hands-on training, while also gaining solid leadership skills and experience. After completing the program, the students can become a valued resource and mentor for their peers on campus.

Future game developers and aspiring film, television and visual effects artists can now create the kind of compelling digital imagery found in Academy Award-winning films and top-selling games with free* access to Autodesk 3ds Max software. The Autodesk Education Suite for Entertainment Creation provides aspiring games, film and visual effects artists with tools used by industry professionals. In addition, Autodesk Animation Academy combines 3D technology and an arts-based curriculum to help inspire secondary students to explore careers in the arts, entertainment and visualization fields. Through the program, students learn how to visualize and problem-solve through the use of 3D applications while studying a broad range of cross-disciplinary topics.

New six-month trials of Autodesk 3ds Max, Autodesk 3ds Max Design and Autodesk Maya software are now available for download from the Autodesk Student Community. In addition, students and teachers can download - for free* - the 2010 releases of 25 full-feature Autodesk titles, access training materials, search for internships and jobs, and share designs with their peers. Since its launch in 2006, the community has grown to more than 775,000 members, representing over 19,000 schools in 139 countries.

By using these Autodesk resources, students can become fully immersed in Autodesk products, helping to give them a competitive advantage as they begin their careers in design and engineering.

Autodesk Education Initiatives

Autodesk supports students and educators by providing design software, innovative programs and other resources designed to inspire the next generation of professionals. By supporting educators to advance design education and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills, Autodesk is helping prepare students for future academic and career success. Autodesk supports schools and institutions of higher learning worldwide through substantial discounts, subscriptions, grant programs, training, curriculum development and community resources. For more information about Autodesk education programs and solutions, visit autodesk.com/education.

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc., is a world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art Digital Prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.

*Free products are subject to the terms and conditions of the end-user license agreement that accompanies download of the software.

Autodesk, AutoCAD, Maya and 3ds Max are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. Academy Award is a registered trademark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.

(C) 2009 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.

    Contact: Jeff Bliss, 415-547-2342
    Email: jeff.bliss@autodesk.com

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SOURCE Autodesk, Inc.

Web site: http://www.autodesk.com/