SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Oct 23, 2003 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK), the world's leading design software and digital content company, announced today that Project Lead the Way has selected Autodesk(R) Revit(R) software as the program's exclusive building information modeling platform. Project Lead the Way, a national high school program providing experiential learning in engineering principles, will use Autodesk Revit as part of a course that exposes students to the design, documentation and problem solving challenges involved in the building process. The architecture and civil engineering course, which also uses Autodesk(R) Civil Series software, is offered as a supplement to the program's existing engineering coursework. Autodesk Revit will be available to over 600 schools participating in Project Lead the Way, offering high school students throughout the United States an opportunity to learn about building information modeling while studying the relationship between architecture and engineering. By combining technology and specialty courses with traditional mathematics and science classes in high school, Project Lead the Way has demonstrated the ability to reduce the attrition rate of students enrolled in college engineering programs by 40-50 percent.

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"When we determined there was a strong interest in an architecture program, we had several basic requirements for the software we offered to our students: a rapid learning curve, leading edge technology, and a solid record of service and support," said Tom White, director of technology, Project Lead the Way. "Autodesk Revit met those requirements. Now our students spend more time designing and solving architectural problems and less time learning the software and they'll be prepared to use a technology that won't be obsolete when they graduate from college."

Victor High School, a Project Lead the Way high school in Rochester, NY, has been using Autodesk Inventor for three years and recently started offering Autodesk Revit to student involved in the program.

"Our students have really embraced Autodesk's technology," said Connie Bertucci, a Project Lead the Way instructor at Victor High School. "We've encouraged them to explore the functionality, and it's remarkable to see how quickly the students find new features that enable them to develop innovative and creative designs. As a former structural engineer, I believe that the Project Lead the Way courses are preparing students for careers in both engineering and architecture."

The addition of Autodesk Revit marks an expansion of Project Lead the Way's relationship with Autodesk. Autodesk has been providing engineering software to Project Lead the Way since 1997, and now offers Autodesk Inventor(R) software, the award-winning 3D mechanical design application, to over 600 schools and in excess of 50,000 students annually. Autodesk Inventor was selected for the same reasons as Revit; ease of use, advanced technology, and the long-term viability of both the product and the company providing it. Using Autodesk Inventor, students have competed successfully in various design competitions. Ben Salinas, 16, of McAllen, TX, recently won first place in HP and Scholastic Magazine's first "Create-a-Calculator" contest for grades 9-12 by turning in an entry for his "hp 51s" model calculator. Salinas used Autodesk Inventor, provided through the Project Lead the Way program at the Science Academy of South Texas, to design a complete 2D and 3D model of his calculator. Winning entries were judged on a point system based on creativity, feasibility, technology and presentation.

"Ben's entry was a major achievement for someone of his age," says Fred Valdez, general manager of Calculators for HP. "By applying technology to design the project, he demonstrated an advanced ability to solve an engineering problem."

"Both the building and manufacturing industries benefit from students who learn at an early stage in their careers how to solve complex problems using the latest technology," said Carl Bass, senior executive vice president, Autodesk Design Solutions Group. "Students who are familiar with Revit and Autodesk Inventor will be well-prepared to enter the workforce with employable skills in 3D modeling and design."

About Project Lead The Way

Project Lead The Way Inc. (PLTW) is a national program forming partnerships among Public Schools, Higher Education Institutions and the Private Sector to increase the quantity and quality of engineers and engineering technologists graduating from the United States educational system. The program is partially funded by Charitable Venture Foundation, a private foundation located in Clifton Park, New York. PLTW has a support staff of experienced technology educators and college and university partners to support schools as they implement PLTW curricula.

Project Lead The Way has developed a four-year sequence of courses which, when combined with traditional mathematics and science course in high school, introduces students to the scope, rigor and discipline of engineering and engineering technology before entering college. A comprehensive organizational structure includes local, state and national support, a model curriculum, teacher training and development, and a network of consultants throughout the country insuring continued participation and success. For more information about participating in Project Lead The Way, please visit www.pltw.org.

About Autodesk

Autodesk is the world's leading design software and digital content company, offering customers progressive business solutions through powerful technology products and services. Autodesk helps customers in the building, manufacturing, infrastructure, digital media, and wireless data services fields increase the value of their digital design data and improve efficiencies across their entire project lifecycle management processes. For more information about the company, see http://www.autodesk.com .

NOTE: Autodesk, Autodesk Inventor and Revit are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

CONTACT: Brian Baker of Autodesk, +1-415-507-6411, or brian.baker@autodesk.com.

SOURCE Autodesk, Inc.

Brian Baker of Autodesk, +1-415-507-6411, or
brian.baker@auodesk.com
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