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      <title>Students</title>
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      <description>Students</description>
      <lastBuildDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2026 12:01:13 GMT</lastBuildDate>
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      <title>
      <![CDATA[ SENAI CIMATEC Facilitates the Journey from Engineering Education to Industry Professional ]]>
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      <link>https://blogs.solidworks.com/products/solidworks/senai-cimatec-facilitates-the-journey-from-engineering-education-to-industry-professional/</link>
      <guid>https://blogs.solidworks.com/guid/70929</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2026 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <description>
      <![CDATA[ Brazilian education and research institution uses SOLIDWORKS to integrate mechanical design, industry projects, and workforce development.
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      <![CDATA[ 
Engineering students often have limited opportunities to apply what they learn to real-world projects. SENAI CIMATEC is changing that by combining technical education, university programs, applied research, and engineering at its campus in Salvador, Brazil. The institution was founded in 2002, and today its 1,700+ engineering and design professionals work across 44 areas of expertise supporting education, science, technology, and innovation.







SENAI CIMATEC’s integrated structure gives students access to applied work before they enter the industry. Students can begin working on projects at SENAI CIMATEC and, after graduation, become employees of the companies involved, a direct path for skilled, knowledgeable talent to move into industry.



The company’s projects carry clear execution requirements across levels of technological maturity, from early research through proofs of concept, minimum viable products, and technology applications. One example is an On-Demand Ocean Bottom Node project that involves equipment for monitoring oil and gas reservoirs.







Delivering What Industry Funds



The central challenge is not simply generating ideas. It is converting funded research into a finished result that addresses an industrial need. SENAI CIMATEC also integrates multiple specialties within one organization rather than dividing development among separate institutions, so coordinated execution is vital.



According to Technical Lead and Professor Valter Beal, “When a company funds our research and asks us to develop something, it is extremely important that we deliver the final result. Having the right tools is essential, and SOLIDWORKS® helps us successfully deliver projects to our clients.”







A Common Mechanical Design Language



SENAI CIMATEC uses SOLIDWORKS Design across several mechanical design and development workflows. “SOLIDWORKS is the backbone of our mechanical design work: it’s our common language. We use it for simulation, sheet metal design, structural design, plastic-part design, and additive manufacturing.” Beal emphasizes. SOLIDWORKS provides students, researchers, and technical teams with a shared environment for bringing industry projects from digital design to physical production.







Using the same SOLIDWORKS integrated environment supports SENAI CIMATEC’s own integrated operating model. Teachers, employees, and students across different disciplines can contribute to a single project while the broader organization works to optimize resources and facilitate communication among the parties involved.



Building Skills While Advancing Projects



The benefits of SOLIDWORKS extend beyond completing individual projects. Because SOLIDWORKS is used in both engineering education and applied development, students can build software and mechanical design skills in the same environment used in industry. “The software is intuitive, notes Beal. “When you have a tool that is easy to learn and allows users to continue developing their skills, it makes the entire process easier.”



Because SENAI CIMATEC is a complex ecosystem that combines a technical school, university, R&amp;D, and innovation centers, its work can support the establishment of an industrial manufacturing operation at a project location, creating jobs for the people who will produce the parts.







&#8220;We have several examples of students who began at SENAI CIMATEC in technical school and learned SOLIDWORKS during their training. They later enrolled in mechanical engineering and eventually became employees of SENAI CIMATEC,” Beal explains.



From the Classroom to the Factory Floor



SENAI CIMATEC’s model links engineering education, applied research, mechanical design, and manufacturing development. SOLIDWORKS provides a common design language that helps students and professionals build skills, coordinate design work, and deliver projects.



The result is a practical path from classroom instruction to industry careers. To learn how SOLIDWORKS can support your next engineering project, contact your local reseller. To watch the SENAI CIMATEC-video, click here.
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      <title>
      <![CDATA[ From Tutus to Tool Belts – Introducing Manufacturing Skills to Girls at Jeffco.edu ]]>
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      <link>https://blogs.solidworks.com/products/solidworks/from-tutus-to-tool-belts-introducing-manufacturing-skills-to-girls-at-jeffco-edu/</link>
      <guid>https://blogs.solidworks.com/guid/70815</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 2026 16:04:47 GMT</pubDate>
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      <![CDATA[ 
At SOLIDWORKS, we know our customers require a skilled workforce with design and manufacturing skills. That is why the SOLIDWORKS EDU team goes to events like Skills USA to support educators and their students. Every year we meet talented educators with innovative programs. We were fortunate to sit down with Kati Theurer, founder and driving force behind From Tutus to Tool Belts, an initiative dedicated to introducing young girls to the opportunities and excitement of careers in the skilled trades—particularly Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC).







Kati is an assistant professor of Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology at Jefferson College, Hillsboro, MO, USA. Her passion for skilled trades began at a young age. First shadowing her father as a young plumber assistant and then in high school where she helped out her future mentor and HVAC installer, learning about the equipment and installation requirements.







Realizing HVAC was her passion, Kati enrolled in the Jefferson College 2-year HVAC program. With her hands-on background, she loved helping her classmates. Kati would graduate and become an adjunct professor and later promoted to full tenured faculty.







Four years ago, Kati was listening to Steve Thurmer’s “Bring Back the Trades” podcast. Steve stated, &#8220;How do we get more women interested in the trades?&nbsp;&#8221; Kati knew from her childhood that early exposure was key and she created and implemented From Tutus to Tool Belts for girls in grades 5–8, (age 10-13 years) to give them an introduction to manufacturing skills.







With Jefferson College support, the program gives young women the chance to work directly with HVAC tools and equipment, guided by industry professionals.  The industry list is impressive.  Companies volunteer their employee&#8217;s time to teach the skills needed for their workforce.







For the 2026 event, thank you to: 




IFS



Arnold Aire



Classic Aire Care



Local 36



Milwaukee Tool



Spire



UEI








From Tutus to Tool Belts hosted its 9th&nbsp;event as it continues to inspire girls to explore new skills and new career paths, building confidence through accomplishments.



Thank you to our SOLIDWORKS reseller, Jacob Perkins and Jason Venneman, Associate Vice Presidents, Amatrol Inc, for the introduction and support.



Thank you SOLIDWORKS EDU team for supporting educators and their students at Skills USA.



Design well.  Marie








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      <title>
      <![CDATA[ JFN-HUI First Official Dassault Systèmes Certification Center in Central Africa ]]>
      </title>
      <link>https://blogs.solidworks.com/products/solidworks/jfn-hui-first-official-dassault-systemes-certification-center-in-central-africa/</link>
      <guid>https://blogs.solidworks.com/guid/70732</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 22 Jul 2026 16:18:35 GMT</pubDate>
      <description>
      <![CDATA[ Learners, students, professionals and businesses in Africa can now validate their skills in an approved center, without turning to organizations based abroad.
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      <![CDATA[ 
The development of technical and digital skills in Cameroon has just reached a decisive milestone. Jacky Felly Nafack Hightech University Institute (JFN-HUI) is now the first official certification center for Dassault Systèmes technologies in Cameroun, Africa. Backed by KTM Green Energy Group&#8216;s commitment, this accreditation brings international standards closer to Cameroonian talent and opens new opportunities for students, engineers and businesses across the region.







Here&#8217;s what this breakthrough changes in practical terms:




A regional first: official certifications now accessible in Cameroon.



No more traveling abroad to take exams.



A technical environment aligned with international standards.



Quality support ahead of your certification.




A First in Cameroon



Thanks to this accreditation, JFN-HUI is authorized to run official international certification exams on Dassault Systèmes technologies. Learners, students, professionals and businesses can now validate their skills in an approved center, without turning to organizations based abroad.



This shift has a direct impact. Gone are the travel costs, delays and logistical constraints tied to earning a certification outside the country. Cameroonian talent gains access to the same standards as their international peers, right here in Douala.



The result is simple: stronger competitiveness in the job market. A globally recognized certification adds real value to any profile, whether it&#8217;s a student seeking a first role or an experienced engineer aiming for new responsibilities.



An Environment Dedicated to Success



Located in Douala, the center gives candidates conditions designed to maximize their chances of success. The certification space combines professional infrastructure with cutting-edge tools.



Candidates benefit from:




a professional certification environment built for focus



equipment aligned with international standards



cutting-edge technological tools suited to Dassault Systèmes technologies



quality support ahead of the exams




The goal stays constant: to offer candidates the best conditions to prepare for and pass their certifications, whatever their starting level.







A Collaboration Serving Skills Development



This recognition reflects KTM Green Energy Group&#8216;s commitment to promoting digital skills and innovation through practical training and internationally recognized certifications.



In partnership with JFN-HUI, the ambition is clear: to train a new generation of professionals capable of meeting the demands of industry, engineering and digital transformation.



This momentum benefits the entire local ecosystem:




For students: a springboard toward valued technical careers.



For engineers and professionals: a globally recognized step up in skills.



For businesses: qualified teams, ready to take on the challenges of digital transformation.



For educational institutions: direct access to international certification for their learners.




Let&#8217;s Build Tomorrow&#8217;s Skills Together



JFN-HUI now paves the way for a new era for Cameroonian talent. You no longer need to go abroad to earn a certification recognized worldwide. Everything now happens in Douala, in a professional and demanding environment.



Your professional future starts today. Contact the JFN-HUI center in Douala or come visit us to prepare for your certification and showcase your skills on a global scale. Join us and give your journey the international recognition it deserves.



Thank you to our partner, KTM Group, Nestor Mbogni, CEO and Myrlene Djoum-Kamga, Marketing Communications, and my colleague, Valerie Lecolle for this story.







The SOLIDWORKS community has over 1 million SOLIDWORKS certified users worldwide. Our 3DEXPERIENCE Certification Center lists certified users and verifies job skills to employers.  The SOLIDWORKS Certification Academic Provider program allows our qualified educators to provide SOLIDWORKS certification exams to their students.   



Design well, Marie



 



 




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      <title>
      <![CDATA[ Free CAD Tools! SOLIDWORKS Design Standard for Students ]]>
      </title>
      <link>https://blogs.solidworks.com/products/solidworks/free-cad-tools-solidworks-design-standard-for-students/</link>
      <guid>https://blogs.solidworks.com/guid/70572</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:34:07 GMT</pubDate>
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      <![CDATA[  ]]>
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SOLIDWORKS Design Standard for Students is a powerful suite of 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) tools built to turn your ideas into real designs and prepare you for careers in engineering and product development.




 




Built for real-world engineering, SOLIDWORKS Design Standard for Students helps you create everything from simple parts to complex assemblies, while learning the same professional CAD tools used by the majority of industry professionals.



Click Here to Sign-up, download, and install FREE SOLIDWORKS Design Standard for Students for your Windows PC desktop.&nbsp;



What&#8217;s included in SOLIDWORKS Design Standard for Students?



Sketching, Features, and Parts







Parts are made up of sketches and features. &nbsp;In SOLIDWORKS Design Standard for Students, 2D sketching is simple and intuitive with instant feedback.&nbsp; From the sketch, generate 3D shapes with Extrude, Revolve, Sweep and Loft features. &nbsp;Modify feature geometry with applied features such as Fillet, Chamfer, and Patterns.&nbsp; As a parametric design tool, SOLIDWORKS Design Standard enables you to modify dimensions precisely both numerically and with on-screen manipulators.







SOLIDWORKS Design Standard for Students contains artificial intelligence (AI) with predictive assistance to eliminate tedious tasks with extensive libraries of commonly used geometries including built-in engineering and tolerancing information.



Assembly Modeling







3D design comes alive when virtually assembling your components. Parts and assemblies can be snapped together with a simple drag and drop… visualizing range of motion and mimicking real-life behavior. Designs can be interrogated for fit, interferences, and mass properties.



Drawings







SOLIDWORKS Design for Students makes documenting and detailing quick and easy. Starting with a standard drawing sheet, 2D views are placed from a view palette. Automatic projection views are created, and section views can be generated by snapping to model references. Model dimensions from the part are revealed.&nbsp; Additional dimensions for manufacturing drawings are created with intuitive formatting and tolerance options to an Engineering Drawing Standard (ASME-ANSI, ISO, DIN &amp; more).Assembly drawings illustrate components in context with prominent exploded views. Automatic bills of materials and item balloons make understanding the design easy and allows students to learn about manufacturing documentation.



Manufacturing CAD Tools



Manufacturing processes require different modeling techniques.&nbsp; Sheet Metal, Frame, Mold Design and Surfacing are included in SOLIDWORKS Design Standard for Students. Learn these modeling methods to create flat patterns, weldments and core/cavity molds for plastics parts.



Start Learning SOLIDWORKS Design Standard for Students







SOLIDWORKS Design Standard for Students comes with SOLIDWORKS Tutorials accessed through the SOLIDWORKS Help menu. Free Practice Problems, Lessons and Learning Content provide students the steps needed to get started and to advance quickly.&nbsp; Students also get guest access to My SolidWorks for video lessons, tutorials and preparation for certification exams.



Certification Exams (Additional Cost)







After you master the Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate (CSWA) and Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional (CSWP) lessons, you are ready to join over 1 million SOLIDWORKS certified users around the world.&nbsp; More information on SOLIDWORKS Certification exams and pricing is available here.&nbsp;



SOLIDWORKS Education Edition for Schools: More Applications &amp; More SOLIDWORKS Certification Exams



Your school may have access to free SOLIDWORKS certification exams by utilizing the SOLIDWORKS Education Edition for Schools on subscription that provides free SOLIDWORKS Student Premium home use licensing and free certification.&nbsp; SOLIDWORKS Education Edition &amp; SOLIDWORKS Student Premium include advanced features such as SOLIDWORKS Toolbox (library of smart fasteners), 3D routing (pipes/tubes/cables), advanced surface flattening, as well as our desktop suite of products like SOLIDWORKS Simulation (FEA), SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation (CFD), CAM, Electrical, Visualize, Composer and more.&nbsp;



SOLIDWORKS Community







The global SOLIDWORKS community is made up of engineers, designers, manufacturers, educators, students, makers – simply anyone who has a passion for design.&nbsp; Students can join our SOLIDWORKS community for free at SWUGN.org.&nbsp; There are hundreds of in-person and virtual meetings throughout the year.



More Offers for Students



SOLIDWORKS supports students with additional software products both for Windows PC desktop, cloud applications and student team competitions. Find out more at SOLIDWORKS for Students: 3D CAD Software for Education | SOLIDWORKS







Get Started Now



Click Here to Sign-up, download, and install FREE SOLIDWORKS Design Standard for Students for your Windows PC (Desktop).&nbsp;







Students! Share your designs. Tag us on Instagram @solidworksedu_and_startups.



Design well.  Marie




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      <![CDATA[ 365 SOLIDWORKS Practice Problems for Educators and Their Students ]]>
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      <link>https://blogs.solidworks.com/products/solidworks/365-solidworks-practice-problems-for-educators-and-their-students/</link>
      <guid>https://blogs.solidworks.com/guid/69500</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 16:16:27 GMT</pubDate>
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      <![CDATA[ 
SOLIDWORKS Practice Problems – What Educators Need Most



After years teaching and visiting with SOLIDWORKS Educators, my colleague Ryan Koehler, Industry Process Expert, created a survey to determine what educators needed most.&nbsp; The answer, SOLIDWORKS Practice Problems that are easy to find, focus on specific features, and prepare students for SOLIDWORKS certification exams.



To solve this need, Ryan first started with his then SOLIDWORKS engineering intern, Gian Calise, to create an initial set of SOLIDWORKS Practice Problems.&nbsp; Gian is now a SOLIDWORKS Industry Consultant and adjunct SOLIDWORKS instructor at Tufts University. The response was so great, the SOLIDWORKS EDU team knew there was more to do.



SOLIDWORKS Practice Problems &#8211; Expansion



SOLIDWORKS EDU Product Manager, Brian Hillner came up with a project plan to expand the SOLIDWORKS Practice Problems from a single PDF to an interactive webpage for Educators.&nbsp; The new SOLIDWORKS Practice Problems webpage makes it easier for SOLIDWORKS Educators to focus in on the skills they are teaching and to assist their students that need more help.



Joe Rousseau and members of the documentation training team worked to expand the offering, preparing students to take our SOLIDWORKS Certification Exams, both at an associate (CSWA) and professional (CSWP) level.&nbsp; The SOLIDWORKS Web team took the content and developed an easy-to-use interface for Educators. There are 365 SOLIDWORKS Practice Problems – on for every day of the year.



Level Up Your CAD Skills with 365 Practice Problems



The massive, searchable database of problems lets you can go from novice to professional in no time. Easily search the database by typing in the feature you want to teach, or filter by using the dropdown menus. You can download all CSWA or all CSWP practice problems, or level by level, or each one individually – the choice is yours!







Bring real engineering into your classroom with ready-to-use SOLIDWORKS Practice Problems designed to make learning CAD engaging, practical, and fun.&nbsp;These hands-on challenges help students think like engineers and build with confidence, while giving teachers an extensive library of 350+ practical modeling activities that fit seamlessly into any curriculum.







From beginners to certification-ready learners, each PDF exercise develops industry-relevant skills through authentic design challenges that prepare students to successfully take and pass both the CSWA and CSWP exams. No more searching for CAD practice problems!



Why you’ll love it:




Certification Ready: &nbsp;18 dedicated levels tailored specifically for CSWA and CSWP prep.



Visual-First Navigation: &nbsp;Find your next challenge at a glance with high-quality thumbnails and an intuitive, well-sorted layout designed for rapid browsing.



Precision Filtering: &nbsp;Sort by level, difficulty, duration or search for specific features like Patterns or Assemblies.



Design Intent Reinforced: With a focus on design intent and problem solving, students will have the relevant skills for the best jobs.



Bulk Downloads: &nbsp;Download all 350+ problems in one click, or download filtered sets to fit your syllabus or practice needs.



Classroom Ready: &nbsp;Professionally designed PDFs that help students think like engineers and that fit seamlessly into any curriculum.




Get Started: Explore the Practice Problems Database



The SOLIDWORKS Practice Problems will help you in your classroom. Your students that successfully pass the SOLIDWORKS Certification exam will join the over 1 million Certified SOLIDWORKS users.&nbsp;



We invite you and your students to also be part of the global SOLIDWORKS community to help you and your students.



Thank you, Ryan, Gian, Brian, Joe, the Training Team, the Web Team for creating such a great resource for educators and their students.



Design well, Marie




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      <![CDATA[ Empowering Young Engineers with Modern CAD Software ]]>
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      <link>https://blogs.solidworks.com/products/solidworks/empowering-young-engineers-with-modern-cad-software/</link>
      <guid>https://blogs.solidworks.com/guid/69242</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:56:22 GMT</pubDate>
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      <![CDATA[ 
 It’s April and time to think of Spring—but in Massachusetts today it is snowing. Now is a great time to share the “Snowflake Project” by middle school teacher Amy Hamilton. Amy uses this project to excite her students, ages 10 to 13, about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) with SOLIDWORKS.







Teaching middle school students the principles of engineering requires more than just reading from a textbook. It demands practical tools, engaging projects and a clear connection to real-world applications. When educators introduce professional design software into the classroom, they give students a definitive advantage in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).




  




Amy Hamilton, a dedicated middle school educator, demonstrates exactly how effective this approach can be. By integrating SOLIDWORKS into her curriculum, she transforms complex engineering concepts into accessible, hands-on learning experiences for students ages 10 to 13. Her methods offer a proven framework for K-12 educators and STEM coordinators who want to improve technical education in their own schools.







This article explores her transition from manual drafting to modern computer-aided design (CAD), her success with additive manufacturing and the practical strategies she uses to prepare young students for technical certifications.



The Evolution of Classroom Drafting and Design



Technical education has changed drastically over the past four decades. Amy began teaching drafting, design and CAD in the 1980s. During those early years, her classroom relied heavily on traditional tools. Students learned the fundamentals of geometry and spatial reasoning using drafting boards, paper and pencils. These manual techniques provided a strong foundation in precision, but they lacked the dynamic visualization capabilities of modern technology.



In 2009, Amy transitioned her curriculum entirely to SOLIDWORKS. This shift represented a fundamental change in how students interacted with their assignments. Instead of drawing flat, two-dimensional views of an object, students could now build fully realized three-dimensional models. They could rotate their designs, test parameters and identify potential flaws before ever producing a physical prototype.



For educators looking to update their STEM programs, Amy’s professional journey highlights an important truth. Moving from traditional methods to modern CAD software does not mean abandoning the core principles of design. Rather, it gives students a more effective way to apply those principles. Modern software provides immediate feedback, which keeps young learners motivated and engaged in the engineering process.



Bringing STEM to Life Through Practical Projects



One of the most difficult challenges for STEM coordinators is finding projects that hold the attention of middle school students while still teaching rigorous technical skills. Amy solves this problem with her &#8220;Snowflake Project.&#8221;



During the winter months, she tasks her young students with designing complex snowflakes using SOLIDWORKS. This assignment sounds simple on the surface, but it requires a deep understanding of geometric relations, radial symmetry and precise measurement. Students learn how to navigate the software interface, apply specific design constraints and manipulate tools to create unique patterns.



The Snowflake Project succeeds because it connects technical software training with creative expression. Students do not feel like they are completing a standard textbook drill. They act as actual designers, making independent decisions about the aesthetics and structural integrity of their models. Projects like this prove that 10- to 13-year-olds can master professional engineering tools when the instruction is practical, creative and highly relevant to their interests.



Integrating Additive Manufacturing Across Multiple Grades



CAD software becomes even more powerful when paired with modern production technology. Amy incorporates additive manufacturing into her curriculum across three different grade levels. This comprehensive approach ensures that students do not just design virtual models on a screen. They actually bring their ideas into the physical world.



When students use 3D printers to manufacture their SOLIDWORKS designs, they learn critical lessons about material properties, structural tolerances and real-world engineering constraints. If a snowflake design has sections that are too thin, the 3D printer will fail to produce it correctly. This immediate, physical feedback teaches students to revise their work and improve their initial concepts.



This emphasis on additive manufacturing yields measurable results. Amy’s students regularly participate in Skills, a state-level technical competition that tests students on their engineering and design capabilities. Against stiff competition, her middle school students consistently excel. They recently took home multiple gold medals at the event. These victories validate her teaching methods and demonstrate the high level of competency young students can achieve when given access to professional-grade tools.



Building a Global Educator Network



Successful STEM education does not happen in isolation. Teachers need strong professional networks to share resources, discuss new technologies and discover fresh ideas for their classrooms. Amy serves as an educational leader, dedicating her time to helping other teachers around the world improve their CAD curriculums.



As the leader of the POLK-FL SOLIDWORKS User Group, she creates a collaborative environment for educators and commercial customers alike. These user groups serve as a critical bridge between the classroom and the professional engineering industry. By bringing these two groups together, Amy ensures that her teaching methods align with the current needs of the workforce.



Her leadership extends far beyond her local district. She regularly hosts virtual user group meetings that connect people across different continents. In one notable session titled &#8220;London Calling Oahu,&#8221; she brought additive manufacturing expert Kirby Downy into the classrooms of local teachers in Hawaii. Downy presented his impressive 3D modeling work from the entertainment industry. By exposing students and teachers to these real-world examples, Amy helps them understand the exciting career possibilities that stem from learning CAD.



Anyone involved in STEM education can join the POLK-FL SOLIDWORKS User Group&nbsp;or one of the many other SOLIDWORKS User Groups&nbsp;located around the world. These organizations provide regular virtual meetings, offering ongoing support and inspiration for educators who want to improve their technical programs.



Measuring Success Through Student Certification



Providing students with exciting projects is important, but STEM coordinators also need measurable outcomes to evaluate the success of their programs. Amy focuses heavily on student certification. She prepares her middle-grade students to take official SOLIDWORKS certification exams, which are the exact same credentials earned by college students and industry professionals.



Earning a professional certification gives middle school students a massive boost in confidence. It proves they possess a verified, highly sought-after technical skill before they even enter high school. For schools, these certifications provide concrete data that their STEM investments are paying off. When students pass these rigorous exams, it demonstrates that the curriculum effectively translates complex software training into genuine technical proficiency.



Discover Proven Teaching Strategies



Updating a middle school STEM curriculum requires careful planning, effective software and proven pedagogical strategies. Amy Hamilton’s success with the Snowflake Project, additive manufacturing and state-level competitions shows exactly what young students can achieve when given the right tools.



If you want to learn how to apply these methods in your own district, watch her presentation in the SOLIDWORKS EDU Webinar series. In her session, “Empowering Young Engineers: Teaching SOLIDWORKS to Middle-Grade Students,” Amy details her specific projects, classroom tips and her approach to student certification.



Register here



Watch the full webinar today to gain actionable insights you can apply directly to your STEM programs.



Thank you Amy Hamilton and Valerie Lecolle for helping our SOLIDWORKS educators.



Design well.  Marie




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      <![CDATA[ Educators and Students – Check Out SOLIDWORKS Live and Be Part of 3DEXPERIENCE World 2026 ]]>
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      <link>https://blogs.solidworks.com/products/solidworks/educators-and-students-check-out-solidworks-live-and-be-part-of-3dexperience-world-2026/</link>
      <guid>https://blogs.solidworks.com/guid/67580</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 16:05:06 GMT</pubDate>
      <description>
      <![CDATA[ If you teach, use or love SOLIDWORKS and want to know the…
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      <![CDATA[ If you teach, use or love SOLIDWORKS and want to know the latest and greatest technology, along with some really cool people and products, check out a list of events from my friends,  Sean O’Neill. and Jesse Sprague, Sean and Jesse are managing the SOLIDWORKS Live anchor desk, streaming live from Houston, TX February 2 – 4, 2026 at 3DEXPERIENCE World 2026.  3DEXPERIENCE World is the largest live event for the SOLIDWORKS community.Educators – you can show your students great examples on why everyone needs to learn SOLIDWORKS in school. Students can be part of the largest global SOLIDWORKS event. With the Live stream, you’ll be able to watch the big announcements, keynote sessions, and take virtual tours of our on-site attractions. Your students can even participate in the online chat.Go to Live.SOLIDWORKS.comYou can also Subscribe for the latest updates. Get the inside review from Sean and the SOLIDWORKS Live team here.  We put you and your students in the front row.Below are stream links, descriptions, and tentative agendas for all three live streams occurring over three days of 3DEXPERIENCE World 2026.3DEXPERIENCE World 2026: LIVEDay 1 Monday February 2, 2026 is about possibility — and reminding everyone why 3DEXPERIENCE World is unlike any other conference.Watch Day 1 here: http://solidworks.com/3dxw26_day1Day 2 Tuesday February 3, 2026 is about momentum — where engineering meets ambition.Watch Day 2 here: https://www.solidworks.com/3dxw26_day2 Day 3 Wednesday February 4, 2026 is about people and the future we’re building together.Watch Day 3 here: https://www.solidworks.com/3dxw26_day3After General Session, we’ll be joining you LIVE from Houston, TX, sharing all of the MOST EXCITING areas of the conference, including guest interviews, General Session coverage, keynotes, tours, and more Playground activities than you can imagine!See you there?We encourage everyone interested in SOLIDWORKS and 3DEXPERIENCE World as a whole to tune in, and to stay engaged with us in the LIVE chat on YouTube. We’ll be watching, and we hope that community members around the globe will, too.So if you are teaching  Polk County Middle School in the USA, Hokkaido Hakodate Technical High School in Japan, or University of New South Wales in Australia, you can participate with SOLIDWORKS users everywhere. All students can join too.  Just click here.And, if you are at 3DEXPERIENCE World in person, make sure to stop by the LIVE desk – located right next to the General Session hall – to say hello to Sean O’Neill, Jesse Sprague, and whichever VIP happens to be at the LIVE desk at that time! This event is big – really big.Many sessions will be recorded so come back to SOLIDWORKS Live to see the replay!.Thank you Sean, Jesse and the LIVE team for hosting these events. Thank you educators and students for teaching and learning SOLIDWORKS.Design well.  Marie ]]>
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      <![CDATA[ Visit the EDU Booth at 3DEXPERIENCE World 2026 ]]>
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      <link>https://blogs.solidworks.com/products/solidworks/visit-the-edu-booth-at-3dexperience-world-2026/</link>
      <guid>https://blogs.solidworks.com/guid/67583</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:34:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <description>
      <![CDATA[  The following story is written with my colleague, Nirali Jain, SOLIDWORKS EDU Marketing…
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      <![CDATA[  The following story is written with my colleague, Nirali Jain, SOLIDWORKS EDU Marketing team, supporting educators and students.  Meet Nirali at the EDU Zone in the Exhibition Hall at 3DEXPERIENCE World.3DEXPERIENCE World 2026, February 1-4, Houston Texas is only days away. If you are coming to 3DEXPERIENCE World, we invite you to visit the EDU Zone (Exhibition Hall). There are many areas to visit.
Talk to the SOLIDWORKS EDU team at the EDU Welcome Desk.
Get career advice and hiring tips from a SOLIDWORKS Recruiting &#038; Career Professional.
Connect with SOLIDWORKS User Champions.
Meet our Innovative Students
To help students with their careers, get your professional LinkedIn headshot taken with our photographer,  Luigi Photography.For 20 years, we have featured students’ designs at World.Texas A&#038;M WIRED Underwater Robotics TeamWIRED Underwater Robotics is a student-led project team at Texas A&#038;M University (TAMU), and a part of the Women In Robotics, Engineering, and Development (WIRED).TAMU’s Underwater Robotics AUV team designs and builds fully autonomous underwater vehicles for the international AUVSI RoboNation RoboSub competition. The team uses SOLIDWORKS to design, test, and engineer their robotic systems for real-world ocean challenges.Project Legacy Electric Motorcycle University of Houston’s Khanh Vu.Project Legacy Electric Motorcycle designed by University of Houston’s student, Khanh Vu. This student-built electric motorcycle showcases advanced mechanical design, electric powertrain engineering, and sustainable mobility innovation.The motorcycle is designed in SOLIDWORKS and integrates modern safety technologies to improve rider visibility and protection.We are excited to host the AAKRUTI Finale.  You can meet the 12 AAKRUTI student teams, showcasing their SOLIDWORKS projects in the EDU Zone.Check out their sustainable product designs featuring the Apple Vision Pro.One of these lucky teams with be the grand winner, announced at 3DEXPERIENCE World.Please celebrate our with us by visiting the EDU Zone in the Playground (Exhibition Hall).Design well, Marie ]]>
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      <title>
      <![CDATA[ 3DEXPERIENCE World 2026 For SOLIDWORKS Educators and Researchers ]]>
      </title>
      <link>https://blogs.solidworks.com/products/solidworks/3dexperience-world-2026-for-solidworks-educators-and-researchers/</link>
      <guid>https://blogs.solidworks.com/guid/67592</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 19:39:39 GMT</pubDate>
      <description>
      <![CDATA[ The following story is written with my colleague, Nirali Jain, SOLIDWORKS EDU…
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      <![CDATA[ The following story is written with my colleague, Nirali Jain, SOLIDWORKS EDU Marketing team, supporting educators and students.  Meet Nirali at the EDU Zone in the Exhibition Hall at 3DEXPERIENCE World.3DEXPERIENCE World 2026, February 1-4, Houston Texas is only a few weeks away and I am so excited to review our program for SOLIDWORKS Educators. Researches, Professors, Instructors, Teachers and Administrators of all educational levels. You are an integral part of our SOLIDWORKS Community. It is time to celebrate.I first attended SOLIDWORKS World 24 years ago as an engineering professor at Mass Bay College. The experience made an impact on my life and the lives of my students. SOLIDWORKS Educators, I want to share with you highlights of our 2026 program.The General Sessions introduce our latest technology, customer experiences, community &#038; certification highlights, and innovative startups, educators and students.Educators can attend “hands-on” sessions and hear from other educators in our community. There will be a special session hosted with our user group leaders around the world.  The SOLIDWORKS User Group Network (SWUGN) has groups just for educators too.There are breakout sessions and meetups with focus on education and learning.  Educators that register can attend 100’s of other sessions on Design, Simulation, Manufacturing, the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform, and more.EDU Zone One of the goals of the SOLIDWORKS Education team is to provide qualified candidates to our commercial customers – with the help of SOLIDWORKS educators. The EDU Zone will feature student projects from around the world as we celebrate AAKRUTI, our innovative global design contest.  We will also feature local students from Texas A&#038;M University AUVSI RoboSub Team (WIRED Underwater Robotics) and Project Legacy Electric Motorcycle designed by University of Houston student Khanh Vu.  Educators and their students will be able to talk to Dassault Systèmes Lead Talent Partner, Suzanne Diekan, about internships and careers.  More on the EDU Zone in next week’s blog.Manufacturing Shop FloorWhat is a shop floor without machines? Thanks to our hardware partners, visitors can watch live demonstrations featuring Ellison Technologies’ DNM 5700 4th GEN vertical machining center, Tormach’s newly released 15LX CNC lathe, BlueBay Automation’s Spartan Robotics, and Integrated Manufacturing Systems’ labeling and scanning technologies. Together, these partners showcase a fully connected, end-to-end production environment. You can read more about the playground here.Tuesday Night EventFor our 3DEXPERIENCE World 2026 Tuesday night event, attendees will take over Space Center Houston.  Get ready for an extraordinary, fully privatized evening exploring one of the most iconic science and innovation destinations in the world.  With exclusive access to the entire venue—including Independence Plaza, the Astronaut and Mars Galleries, the Boeing 747 and shuttle replica, the Falcon 9 rocket, and private tram tours to the historic Saturn V rocket—guests will immerse themselves in interactive exhibits, simulators, and hands-on space experiences available only to our group. You can read more about the Tuesday night event here.If you haven’t registered – there is still time.  Register here.If you cannot attend 3DEXPERIENCE World 2026, you can still experience General Sessions and key interviews streaming at Live.SOLIDWORKS.com. Invite your students to watch the General Sessions with you.Thank you SOLIDWORKS Educators for being an integral part of the SOLIDWORKS Community.Design well, Marie ]]>
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      <![CDATA[ SOLIDWORKS Supports FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Student Teams for REBUILT ]]>
      </title>
      <link>https://blogs.solidworks.com/products/solidworks/solidworks-supports-first-robotics-competition-frc-student-teams-for-rebuilt/</link>
      <guid>https://blogs.solidworks.com/guid/66841</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 20:28:02 GMT</pubDate>
      <description>
      <![CDATA[ Happy New Year! As my first post of 2026, I am excited…
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      <![CDATA[ Happy New Year! As my first post of 2026, I am excited to announce Dassault Systèmes,  SOLIDWORKS, and 3DEXPERIENCE EDU sponsorship, to all FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) teams, with FREE software and student community support. The Kickoff of REBUILTTM presented by Haas is this Saturday January 10, 2026  12PM ET.Don’t wait until kickoff.  You can apply for free SOLIDWORKS design tools now. With the help of the 3DEXPERIENCE EDU team, we are providing all FRC teams our latest software technology with SOLIDWORKS for your Windows PC. We are also providing SOLIDWORKS Cloud Apps 100% browser-based, and  Dassault Systèmes 3DEXPERIENCE platform technology.  All teams can go to www.solidworks.com/FIRST for software sponsorship.  And yes, software is FREE for FIRST teams.  It is the same software used in industry, colleges and technical institutions with over 8 million SOLIDWORKS community members around the world.We also provide FRC, FTC, FLL and FIRST Global teams with SOLIDWORKS software.Check out our video on how FIRST Teams Use SOLIDWORKS during our Championship interviews!  Thank you teams.FIRST Kit of Parts For SOLIDWORKS DesktopThe 2026 Field Models, SOLIDWORKS Kit of Parts (for Window PC) and SOLIDWORKS xDesign (for 100%  Cloud CAD) are available shortly after kickoff.Currently only the 2025 FRC Kit of Parts are displayed.To access the 2026 FRC Kit of Parts, Field and Model Files, go to www.solidworks.com/FIRST after 1PM EST following Kick off.  Follow the instructions to create a 3DEXPERIENCE ID and browse to the 3DEXPERIENCE Student Community to retrieve the model files your teams needs.SOLIDWORKS for Your Windows Based PCSOLIDWORKS is Computer Aided Design (CAD) software that is used to create 3D Models and 2D Drawings.  You can create a 3D Model of your robot – before any part is manufactured or assembled.  Competitive student teams used SOLIDWORKS not only for CAD but also for Simulation (Stress Analysis and Kinematics Motion), Visualization (Photorealistic renderings), 3D Wiring, 2D Electrical Schematics.  Even if you use other CAD software, you can apply for SOLIDWORKS sponsorship to use our advanced product design tools. Once you download and install SOLIDWORKS, no internet is required.SOLIDWORKS for FIRST Robotics Webinar SeriesSOLIDWORKS has a Webinar Series to help FIRST Teams get started. The complete playlist is here. Get started by playing the first YouTube webinar to learn about Sketches and Basic Features. Below are links to our FIRST Robotics Webinar Series:SOLIDWORKS Sketches and Basic FeaturesSOLIDWORKS Applied FeaturesSOLIDWORKS Sheet Metal and WeldmentsSOLIDWORKS Assembly ModelingSOLIDWORKS Assembly VisualizationSOLIDWORKS Motion and SimulationSOLIDWORKS Learning MaterialsSOLIDWORKS has tutorials to learn right inside the software (Welcome dialog box or Help menu). Students have access to My SolidWorks with hundreds of hours of video lessons.Everyone has free Guest access to My SolidWorks.  Students need to create a My SolidWorks Student Login with their sponsorship serial number to get full Student Access on My SolidWorks.With SOLIDWORKS for Windows, students can create parts, assemblies, drawings, simulation, instruction documents, sheet metal, plastic-molded parts, photo-realistic images and electrical schematics.Even if you use another CAD tool, you can apply for SOLIDWORKS Student Team Sponsorship to be able to create your poster with SOLIDWORKS Visualize or create robust Engineering drawings.But SOLIDWORKS is much more than a set of software tools.  SOLIDWORKS helps you get jobs.  With over 900,000 certified SOLIDWORKS users, our customers that use SOLIDWORKS need interns and young professionals with SOLIDWORKS and Technological skills.SOLIDWORKS Cloud AppsWith SOLIDWORKS Cloud Apps students can work on Chomebooks, MAC or tablets and create parts and assemblies. SOLIDWORKS xDesign is a 100% browser app that is great for designing prismatic robot components.  SOLIDWORKS xShape creates organic shapes like the team’s mascot!FRC 5993 ISTECH uses both SOLIDWORKS and SOLIDWORKS Cloud CAD Apps on the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform.We have a Student Community for FRC designers and mentors to ask our engineers.  The Student Community Wiki provides access to our FRC Kit of Parts  in SOLIDWORKS for Windows and cloud formats  The Student Community Wiki contains access to FRC and FTC Kit of Parts in 3DXML Format. (Note: Available after kickoff.For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) organization, founded by Dean Kamen, celebrates Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math through robotics competitions, FIRST Robotics Competition, FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST Lego League.  Apply now for sponsorship.SOLIDWORKS has been a Crown Supplier of FIRST teams and the software behind the FIRST competitions fields.  Now, thanks to Dassault Systèmes 3DEXPERIENCE platform technology, we are offering all FIRST teams SOLIDWORKS and/or SOLIDWORKS Cloud CAD apps, PLM and our web-based collaboration and community tools. Apply now for sponsorship.Our offer starts now.  Don’t wait for the competitions to announce the game.  Apply now to understand our tools and review our offers.Want to use SOLIDWORKS for Windows?  Just apply.Want to use SOLIDWORKS Cloud Apps? Just apply.Want to use both?  You got it. Just apply.One application does all software offers.  For cloud use, we do need parent/legal guardian permission.  Follow the application and video to understand the process.Just apply.Design well, Marie ]]>
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