Autodesk partners with CICSE to promote science and tech

BANGALORE, INDIA: Expanding on its commitment to education in India, Autodesk, Inc., a leader in 3D design, engineering, and entertainment software, has announced that it will partner with the Council of Indian School Certificate Examinations (CICSE) to promote Science, Technology, Engineering Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) education locally.

The partnership will benefit nearly two million students from the 6th grade onwards across 2,000 schools under the board's jurisdiction. The announcement was made by Mr. George Abraham, Head of Education for Emerging Markets at Autodesk, in the presence of Rev. C.M. Jose Aikara, Chairman of CICSE, at a signing ceremony in Bangalore. In attendance were members of the Council, representatives from reputed schools in Bangalore, and company officials.

Autodesk is a world leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software and services, and the CICSE administers the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) examination. Under the partnership agreement, Autodesk will provide:

Ø Technology access: Offer all CICSE-affiliated schools in India with free* access to Autodesk's leading 2D and 3D design software, thereby giving students hands-on experience with the same technology that is used by professionals in industry

Ø Curriculum development: Support the CICSE to update existing and develop new rigorous and relevant Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) curricula to prepare students for future academic and career success

Ø Training model: Work with CICSE to teach ‘Master Trainers' to educate faculty members to deliver the agreed courses to students and shape the classroom experience

Ø Immersive learning experiences: Encourage students to participate in national design competitions organized by Autodesk to showcase their design skills and interact with peers from different states

With this partnership, Autodesk significantly deepens its involvement with schools in India and further builds on the company's mission to provide students and educators with the technology to imagine, design and create a better world for future generations. Currently Autodesk also has partnerships with Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Schools.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, George Abraham said, "Educators today are being challenged to advance STEAM knowledge in interesting ways to cultivate students' interest in these important foundational subjects. Autodesk's tenure and commitment to the design and engineering industries and leading portfolio of design software makes us uniquely positioned to offer new STEAM educational tools. Our partnership with CICSE will support teachers in affiliated schools to instill an early love of STEAM, and inspire limitless possibilities as students further their education and nurture an ongoing interest in design."

Expressing his views on the announcement, Rev. C.M. Jose Aikara said, "Technology plays the role of making the training and learning process easy and effective and this partnership will enable students to specialize in the stream which is their dream"