SOLIDWORKS Academic Fellow Program
Recognizing educators shaping the future of student learning through teaching, research & project support with SOLIDWORKS.
Honoring educators going the extra mile for their students.
The SOLIDWORKS Academic Fellow (SAF) Program is an exclusive, invite-only recognition program for educators who create significant impact among students by supporting and influencing their learning, and those who champion classroom training, project mentorship and research efforts with SOLIDWORKS.
Fellows come from accredited institutions at every level and every role: professors, lecturers, project advisors and researchers, and are featured here alongside the impact they've made in their classrooms and student communities.
How the SAF Program Works
Who qualifies, what is expected of fellows, what recognition fellows receive, and how the nomination process works.
Who Qualifies
Professors, lecturers, instructors, project advisors, and researchers at any level of education who use SOLIDWORKS and meet the applicable criteria below are all welcome. Nominees should:
- Be a current or former educator or researcher at an accredited academic institution in engineering, design, manufacturing, or a related field.
- Show measurable impact on student success, such as learning outcomes, certifications, competitions, or career readiness.
- Demonstrate sustained, hands-on integration of SOLIDWORKS in teaching, projects, or research, and champion its adoption within their institution and academic community.
How Fellows Contribute
The SOLIDWORKS Fellow program is designed to complement an educator's academic activities without adding a significant workload. Fellows will:
- Remain involved in activities that support student learning with SOLIDWORKS.
- Share relevant opportunities related to SOLIDWORKS education within their student community.
- Attend quarterly online Fellow interaction meetings and share how they are supporting learning and research in their role.
What Fellows Receive as Recognition
Official Recognition
A personalized SOLIDWORKS Academic Fellow plaque, a digital badge, and academic profile featured on our social media.
Software & Resources
A SOLIDWORKS for Makers license for personal use, plus discretionary support for classroom resources.
Events & Visibility
Priority consideration for speaker, presenter, and judging opportunities at SOLIDWORKS events, including 3DEXPERIENCE World.
Community & Growth
A private fellow community of likeminded educators across the globe, and quarterly 1-hour online roundtables with the Education team.
Fellow Swag & Lab Access
A special SOLIDWORKS Academic Fellow Swag kit, along with access to the 3DEXPERIENCE Lab for Fabrication support.
And more...
How Fellows Are Chosen for the SAF Program
- Nomination: Nominations are accepted year-round from everyone in the SOLIDWORKS community, and reviewed on a rolling basis. You can send your nominations to SOLIDWORKS.Academic-Fellows@3ds.com
- Review: Nominations undergo thorough review by the SAF committee to ensure we recognize educators creating the highest impact among students.
- Invitation: Selected educators receive a personal invitation describing the program, benefits, requirements, next steps and onboarding to our Fellow Platform.
- Annual Review: Continued eligibility is reviewed annually, and educators can continue to remain SOLIDWORKS Academic Fellows as long as they satisfy the program requirements.