Houston, TX - August 14-15, 2000 - In response to the increasing demand for skilled labor in the infrastructure industry, Heavy Construction Systems Specialists, Inc. (HCSS) has provided estimating and job tracking software for use in the classroom free of charge to colleges and universities. In 1992, HCSS implemented the University Program to assist colleges and universities in their effort to teach estimating for infrastructure construction projects, and over the past eight years, the company has donated over $3,000,000 worth of software to over 40 colleges and universities across the country. Teaching students with HeavyBid not only exposes them to the most often used cost-estimating tool* for heavy/highway contractors, but also prepares them for the work force and increases the number of skilled estimators who are sorely needed by today's infrastructure construction contractors. "This year the Construction Management program at South Dakota State University in Brookings has expanded the role of HeavyBid in the classroom. Previously, HeavyBid was only introduced in a Methods and Equipment course. SDSU is now offering a 3 credit hour, senior level elective course on Heavy/Highway Construction Estimating Procedures. HeavyBid is being used as an important tool to teach estimating in the classroom. The all inclusive nature of the software lends itself to use in the classroom as it automatically flags items in the estimate that could otherwise be easily overlooked or forgotten. This really gives students a feel for the amount of detail involved in estimating heavy construction projects," says Professor Craig Kreyger. To further bolster their educational efforts, HCSS recently invited professors to their corporate headquarters in Houston for the 1st Annual HCSS Educators Training Conference. HCSS, a long time supporter of the use of technology in education, hosted the group for two full days of hands-on training, discussion, and demonstration. The training sessions took the professors through the entire HeavyBid estimating package and highlighted ways the software could be used as a teaching tool. Part of the conference was focused on how HCSS could further help educators use HeavyBid in their classrooms. Ideas for sharing resources and creating ancillary materials were discussed, and the professors offered their feedback and suggestions on ways HCSS could further help them in their teaching efforts. Many professors agreed that a major concern is the lack of time and resources needed to expose students to real world situations. This issue was addressed with a discussion of ways to promote greater involvement of the infrastructure construction industry in higher education. HCSS agreed to provide the professors with customer references in their area and to urge customers to make an investment of their time in helping to bring their own real world experience to students in the classroom. HCSS was founded in 1986 to provide software solutions and support services to infrastructure construction contractors and has become the nations leading producer of estimating and job tracking software for the infrastructure construction industry. *From the CFMA 2000 Computerization Survey for the Construction Industry, Construction Financial Management Association, Princeton, NJ, 609-452-8000.