ASME's Engineering for Change Research Fellowship Program Cohort Doubles with Autodesk Foundation Support

NEW YORK (April 7, 2021)— In a unique collaboration between two nonprofit organizations, Autodesk Foundation has invested in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)’s Engineering for Change (E4C) Research Fellowship Program, doubling the 2021 cohort from 25 to 50 fellows and expanding the reach and impact of Autodesk Foundation’s Impact Internship Program.
 
Autodesk Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Autodesk, Inc., a global developer of design software for the architecture, engineering, construction, media and entertainment, and manufacturing industries. Autodesk Foundation allocates resources, including capital, technology, and industry expertise, toward creating a more sustainable and equitable future. Autodesk Foundation’s Impact Internship program connects innovators and entrepreneurs in the Autodesk Foundation portfolio with emerging engineers.
 
This combined internship initiative gives more emerging engineers the opportunity to apply their technical expertise to solving some of the world’s most pressing social and environmental issues, while also developing leadership skills and advancing career readiness. This year, E4C has received nearly 650 applications from interested candidates in 80 countries – an increase of 50% compared with the previous year.  
 
E4C’s Fellows will be matched with Autodesk Foundation portfolio organizations on projects that address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Projects include proving the affordability of greenhouses for small shareholder farmers in India, product design of electric motorbikes, and developing a holistic design approach for sustainable construction projects.
 
Fellows advance their career path through 400 hours of research, 30 hours of networking online with their peers and expert advisors, and 30 hours of learning modules designed to enhance their knowledge in the sector. In addition, the Autodesk Foundation will provide software training to the Fellows as needed for their research collaborations, on Autodesk tools including AutoCAD, BIM 360, Dynamo, Revit, Inventor, and Fusion 360. Fellows publish the results of their technical research, expert interviews, and share their insights on E4C’s online platform, reaching a global community of more than one million innovators and influencers in sustainable development.
 
“Autodesk Foundation’s substantial investment in this signature ASME philanthropic initiative is a powerful endorsement of our mission to advance engineering for the benefit of humanity,” said Kathleen Lobb, managing director of ASME philanthropy and executive director of the ASME Foundation. “E4C Fellowships are a mainstay of our Engineering Global Development portfolio, which is just one of the ways ASME and the ASME Foundation inspire, engage, and empower next generation engineers.”
 
"We are proud to collaborate with ASME and E4C on Autodesk Foundation's Impact Internship Program this year. With ASME and E4C's expertise and network, we're able to connect our portfolio with a global cohort of emerging engineers to solve some of the world's most pressing social and environmental problems," said Christine Stoner, head of engagement at Autodesk Foundation.
 
Since 2016, the E4C Research Fellowship has provided opportunities for 86 fellows from 23 countries to create social impact. The highly competitive program attracts hundreds of applicants each year. More than half of all E4C Fellows are women, addressing the critical need to expand diversity in engineering for sustainable development where only 13 percent of engineers are women.
 

About Engineering for Change (E4C)
Now celebrating its tenth anniversary, Engineering for Change (E4C) is a knowledge organization dedicated to preparing, educating, and activating the international engineering workforce to improve the quality of life of underserved communities worldwide. E4C provides access to resources, talent and platforms that accelerate the development of impactful solutions and infuse engineering rigor into global development. Our diverse, global community of more than one million people comprises engineers, technologists, social entrepreneurs, and development practitioners.

Jointly founded by ASME and other leading engineering societies, E4C has attracted the support of a variety of partners and sponsors ranging from industry, academia, non-profits and multilateral organizations, and corporations including Siemens.

    

About ASME
ASME helps the global engineering community develop solutions to real world challenges.  Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization that enables collaboration, knowledge sharing and skill development across all engineering disciplines, while promoting the vital role of the engineer in society. ASME codes and standards, publications, conferences, continuing education, and professional development programs provide a foundation for advancing technical knowledge and a safer world.  ASME recently formed the International Society of Interdisciplinary Engineers (ISIE) LLC, a new for-profit subsidiary to house business ventures that will bring new and innovative products, services, and technologies to the engineering community. For more information, visit www.asme.org.

    

About the ASME Foundation
The ASME Foundation is the fundraising arm of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. The Foundation supports an arc of programs addressing every stage of the engineer’s professional journey, from early inspiration and learning to career engagement and nurturing world-changing innovation. For more information, visit www.asmefoundation.org.
   
Media Contact:
 
Monica Shovlin
MCShovlin Communications LLC (for ASME)
monica@mcshovlin.com
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