SAN RAFAEL (BW): In an effort to strengthen the design and engineering-related disciplines and better students’ educational experiences, Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK), a leader in 3D design, engineering, and entertainment software, is extending the license terms for all free versions of the student software related to its online Education Community from 13 to 36 months. This license term extension applies to over 25 products available for free* download on the Autodesk Education Community.

The license term extension is part of Autodesk’s continued effort to support students’ pursuit of careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, including architecture and manufacturing. Today’s students face a challenging job market, and Autodesk’s goal is to ensure the next generation of designers, engineers and digital artists have access to the same software that professionals use every day.

“We are enthusiastic about the growth of the Autodesk Education Community over the past few years,” said Joe Astroth, PhD, Autodesk chief education officer. “Autodesk provides students with the tools and practical knowledge their future employers will demand. By extending the student licenses an additional two years, we are promoting a passion for design and technology-related disciplines to help students succeed in their careers.”

Since its launch in 2006, the Autodesk Education Community has grown to more than 1.3 million members in 145 countries. Autodesk continues to collaborate with faculty and education organizations to provide curricula, tools and resources to better prepare students for careers in architecture, engineering and digital arts. This unique perspective helps to drive change in the fields of design and engineering education, encouraging student engagement and creating a better learning experience in the classroom.