2 options suggest themselves:
MS do a Virtualised version of XP that doesn't need VM ware installed:
Should be here: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=8002
You need a 500MB + free & make sure your targe pc meets the Min requirements especially the OS version, & more RAM is better!
I've used this to run 2 Canon model 20 & 25 USB TWAIN scanners that would not work with Win7 enterprise.
Clunky with data transfers, but it does work.
In the end I got my 74yo dad a Win8 certified Canon printer/scanner box, as the 'pfaff with the VM XP + scanner was beyond him,
And I got a win7/8 certified Canon 35 (or 55 can't remember) NOT-TWAIN USB scanner as it was 3 times faster than the model 20 & 25!
2nd option: Dassult Systemes (who also do Solidworks) have a free version of Draftsight here:
http://www.3ds.com/products-services/draftsight-cad-software/free-download/
Caveats: Draftsight was recommended to me by a pro AutoCAD-er as very AutoCAD like, I've downloaded it, but NOT Installed it yet.
I also got Sketchup PRO, AutoCAD 2016, RHINO & Solidworks at work (I'm a IT Tech for a University) but am only paddling in the shallow end with these, lol.
I'm told AutoCAD have a student/free edn of AutoCAD, but this may depend on having a validated student/educational email, so you may have to sign up to Adult Ed, or why not as an educator?