Empowering the Future: Insights from SXSW EDU’s Panel on STEM Education

The SXSW EDU Conference & Festival brings together engaged stakeholders to advance teaching and learning. As a part of the SXSW family of conferences and festivals, SXSW EDU extends SXSW’s support for the art of engagement to society’s true rock stars: educators! One of this year’s panels, “From Daunting to Doable: How to Empower the Next Generation,” featured Jennifer Fox, Director of Research Program Management at Autodesk Research along with Jenny Buccos from EXPLR, Maria Flynn from Jobs for the Future, youth entrepreneur Lino Marrero.

Change is constant, especially in the STEM landscape. From the integration of AI tools and sustainability goals to the evolution of in-demand skillsets, toolsets, and mindsets, education, industry, and government must work together to prepare the next generation. This panel explored current talent gaps, the role of technology like AI in reshaping jobs, and practical strategies for aligning education with the workforce needs of tomorrow.

Why STEM-Focused Companies Should Invest in Students

Jen highlighted Autodesk’s proactive approach in partnering with educational institutions to ensure a resilient workforce. “This is a 40-year-old company that puts a high priority on providing free software to students and educators,” she noted. “We even have Technology Centers where students, start-ups, and entrepreneurs can use the space, talk with engineers, and give feedback on what works.”

Jen discussed Autodesk’s mission in education to “inspire and empower students to learn the skills, hands-on experience, and credentials that they’re going to need to design a better world.” As a woman in STEM and a first-generation STEM professional, Jen is passionate about giving back and finding more ways for industry to partner with students, government, and educational institutions.

In-Demand Skillsets in the Age of AI

When asked about the most sought-after skillsets today, Jen referenced Autodesk’s State of Design & Make Special Report: Spotlight on skills in the age of AI pointing out that experts are looking for data analytics and project management skills, followed by coding, programming, and AI and Machine Learning.

“I think of it as an entrepreneurial mindset, which is my background: Innovation, risk taking, questioning, agility, collaboration, communication,” she said. “These are the kinds of things that really enable someone to take an idea and make this into a business. So that entrepreneurial advocating for yourself is very important.”

Jen also shared her perspective on AI’s role in the future of work. “At its best, AI can help people innovate and create more sustainable products, and it can help people work in a more creative way,” said Jen. “I think of it as a collaboration between people and AI, not AI replacing people. Those adept at AI will have an advantage, and this involves more hands-on training, learning, and outreach to schools. We all have to pull together to address this huge opportunity and challenge.”

Investing in Students for a Resilient Workforce

Jen underscored the importance of investing in students for practical reasons, noting “there’s just a nuts-and-bolts reason to have people that are going to fill the jobs in those industries. Companies should be looking to partner with educational institutions, government, and students to ensure a resilient workforce.”

Autodesk’s efforts to bridge the gap between education and industry include making products free and accessible for students and educational institutions and maintaining an open dialogue. “We have worked with universities on new kinds of construction certifications and degrees,” said Jen.
“Being at the table, showing up, providing sponsorships and internships, and having a foundation that provides grants to nonprofits that help students make those connections.”

Watch the full conversation on YouTube.