12 Animation Internships for High School Students
If you are a high school student interested in pursuing animation in the future, an internship in the field is worth considering. It could be a great way to develop key skills required for this field, helping you build a solid foundation for future academic and professional endeavors in animation. Also, an internship in high school can boost your college application by demonstrating initiative, commitment, and passion for the field to the admissions team.
Animation, a creative field that combines art with technology, is becoming increasingly popular across media, from movies and TV shows to video games and digital advertising. Internships in animation present an opportunity to explore this dynamic field and get some firsthand experience in motion graphics, visual effects, and computer-generated imagery (CGI). It is also a chance to explore diverse roles and skills involved in the field, such as storyboarding, character design, 3D modeling, and digital animation. This early exposure can help you start building a strong portfolio, which is a must for future animators.
So, here we have listed 12 animation internships for high school students:
1. Walt Disney Animation Studios Intern Program
Location: Varies based on internship opportunity
Stipend: Paid, but the exact amount is not specified.
Eligibility: Recent high school graduates who are 18 and enrolled in a post-high school educational program (community college, college, university, graduate school, trade, online school, or equivalent) can apply.
Application deadline: Varies based on internship opportunity, but internships are generally posted from late fall to spring.
Program dates: Varies based on the opportunity, but it is typically a 12-week paid summer internship.
Through this internship program, Walt Disney Animation Studios provides aspiring animators a chance to work alongside some of the most creative minds in the industry. This program is designed to nurture talent and foster practical skills in various aspects of animation production. As an intern at Walt Disney Animation, you will get to learn about the craft through mentorships and hands-on assignments. You will also be involved in team projects and get to see real-world applications of animation work. The program can help enhance technical skills and improve your understanding of storytelling and artistic expression within the collaborative environment of a leading animation studio.
During the program, you will also get to explore other parts of the business through interactions with leaders and innovators associated with the studio. The experience can help you add to your portfolio and understand the animation process better, from conception to the final animation on screen. This program is worth considering if you want to learn from a world-renowned team at the forefront of the animation industry.
2. Warner Bros. Reach Honorship Program
Location: Warner Bros. Discovery Studios, Burbank, CA
Stipend: A $5,000 scholarship towards college that will be paid directly to the college/university in equal ($1,250) annual installments while the recipient is enrolled in school.
Eligibility: Applicants must be:
- Be graduating high school seniors in Burbank or Los Angeles County
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 upon graduation
- Plan to attend an accredited college or university
- Be passionate about a career in the business of media and entertainment
- Have effective verbal and written communication skills
Application deadline: TBA
Program dates: TBA
The Warner Bros. Discovery Reach Honorship Program is meant for students who want to pursue careers in the entertainment industry. This program provides students with the chance to earn scholarships and paid internships, giving them a head start in the industry.
Participants interested in animation can choose the Production and Studio Operations Honorship Tracks and get hands-on experience and mentorship from professionals at Warner Bros. If selected, they get to explore technical or creative roles like content development, post-production, sound editing, and games. They will also gain valuable insights into the workings of a leading entertainment company and develop practical skills that are crucial for future careers in animation. The program includes a combination of academic support and professional development, ensuring that students are well-prepared for both college and their careers.
The Reach Honorship Program is particularly focused on fostering diversity and inclusion within the media and entertainment industry. So, it aims to help underrepresented students by providing them with the resources and support they need to build successful careers.
You can check out past Reach Program participants’ experiences here to know more about the opportunity.
3. Arts for Learning (A4L) Artworks Internship
Location: Miami, FL
Stipend: $12/hour. Interns will be paid for up to 180 hours of work during the six-week program.
Eligibility: High school students in Florida who are at least 14 years old can apply. Check the detailed eligibility criteria here before applying.
Application deadline: April 3, 2024
Program dates: June 17–July 26, 2024
The ArtWorks Internship Program, offered by the non-profit Arts for Learning Miami, is a 6-week paid opportunity for high school students interested in arts. You can apply for an internship in animation, specifically, and get a chance to work with professional animators and artists.
You will gain hands-on experience in various aspects of animation by working alongside a Master Teaching Artist (MTA) to create your animated project. You will also get to develop the skills required for a career in the field. The internships run Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 3.30 pm. You will also work under the guidance of the Arts for Learning staff. This program is worth considering to explore career paths in animation and also hone professional skills.
Location: Virtual
Stipend: Unpaid opportunity
Eligibility: All high school students can apply.
Application deadline: Rolling deadlines, it is recommended that you apply as soon as possible.
Program dates: The internship usually runs for 3 months from June to August, but can be extended.
Building-U is an organization that aims to provide students with a database of free, helpful resources in the form of opportunities, scholarships, internships, contests, and education programs. Currently, Building-U is looking for interns to assist with the administrative and/or business aspects of the organization. From the 10 teams, you can opt for the animation team. The role involves working on putting together branding-related animation. You, along with other students, will work on creating a story and storyboards. Additionally, you will get to work with other teens and develop teamwork and communication skills. You can send an email to internships@building-U.com to learn more about the opportunity.
The programs listed below are not traditional internships but follow a similar structure and offer high school students valuable hands-on experience in animation.
5. Pratt Institute PreCollege (Animation courses)
Location: In-person program at Pratt Institute Brooklyn Campus, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: $4,613 (tuition fee). Check the complete cost breakdown here to learn about housing, meals, and other fees. You can also opt for a commuter program. Financial aid is available.
Eligibility: High school students of ages 16–18 can apply.
Application deadline: May 1, 2024
Program dates: July 8, 2024 – August 2, 2024
Pratt Institute is known for its arts and design curriculum. Its PreCollege Summer program is meant for high school students who want to explore creative disciplines. This 4-week program is a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the vibrant academic environment at Pratt and explore the various majors it has to offer. Applicants can mention three preferred courses on their application and will be enrolled in two classes out of the 18 available courses.
For students interested in animation, the course Digital Arts: 2D Animation is worth considering. It covers both traditional and digital animation techniques, offering a comprehensive overview of the animation process. Participants will learn to create animations frame by frame, using both hand-crafted methods and digital tools to composite layers of movement, adding sound and color to bring their projects to life. Each course within the program awards two college credits, which are generally transferable to other academic institutions.
6. University of North Carolina School of The Arts (UNSCA) Animation Summer Intensive
Location: University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Winston-Salem, NC
Cost: $2,405 (two-week session) and $4,810 (4-week session). The cost includes housing and application fees.
Eligibility: All rising and current high school students can apply.
Application deadline: May 10, 2024
Program dates:
- Session 1 (Introductory): June 23, 2024–July 6, 2024
- Session 2 (Introductory and Advanced): July 7–20, 2024
You can combine sessions 1 and 2 for a 4-week session from June 23, 2024–July 20, 2024
The Animation Summer Intensive at the UNCSA School of Filmmaking is a comprehensive program designed specifically for high school students interested in animation. Lasting 2 to 4 weeks, this program is structured to accommodate both beginners and those with some experience in animation, catering to various skill levels.
The introductory course provides a solid foundation in essential animation principles such as visual storytelling, directing, storyboarding, animation production, cinematography, editing, and sound design. Participants in this track will engage in interactive workshops focused on screenwriting, character design, and acting, enhancing their understanding and skills across multiple facets of animation. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to try their hand at both traditional hand-drawn and 3D computer animation, all under the expert guidance of professional animators. This program requires no prior experience, making it an excellent starting point for those curious about the field.
For those looking to build upon the basics, the advanced program, available in the second session, delves deeper into the intricacies of animation, offering more specialized instruction and project work. Students who wish to gain more extensive experience can opt to enroll in both sessions consecutively, spending a total of 4 weeks immersed in the study and practice of animation at UNCSA. This dual-session approach not only reinforces foundational skills but also broadens the scope of learning and creativity in animation.
7. UCLA Summer Sessions Film and Television Summer Institute: Traditional Animation
Location: Virtual
Cost: $5,959. Financial aid is available.
Eligibility: All high school students can apply.
Application deadline: June 15, 2024
Program dates: June 24, 2024–August 2, 2024
UCLA Film and Television Summer Institute’s Traditional Animation track is tailored to guide students through the entire process of creating an animated film. This 6-week online program is a great opportunity for budding animators to learn the craft of writing, storyboarding, and drawing, and eventually work on their own animated short film.
Participants will get to engage with guest speakers who are seasoned Hollywood professionals. The program will also offer participants insights into the history of animation, current industry practices, and the day-to-day realities of working in Hollywood. This can help enhance understanding of the animation field.
Under the supervision of UCLA faculty, students will navigate the animation process from the initial stages of storyboard creation to the complexities of post-production. The program emphasizes traditional hand-drawn animation techniques, utilizing tools like a Wacom tablet or mouse along with software such as Pencil2D and Adobe Premiere. Each participant will be tasked with creating a complete animated short film with sound, which they will present at the conclusion of the program. Successful completion of the course will earn students a letter grade, acknowledging their skills and dedication to learning the art of animation.
8. California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA) Animation Program
Location: California State Summer School for the Arts, Sacramento, CA
Cost: $4,600 (for California residents) and $7,000 (for out-of-state and international students). The cost includes housing. Financial aid is available.
Eligibility: Students in grades 8 to 12 are eligible to apply.
Application deadline: February 29, 2024
Program dates: July 6, 2024–August 2, 2024
The program is structured to help high school students explore animation concepts through core classes, guest interactions, and field trips. Running from Monday to Saturday, the program covers concepts such as animation, storyboarding, drawing, and digital animation techniques. Additionally, students will attend screenings of animated films and participate in specialized workshops that delve into unique animation styles like stop motion.
During the program, you will be expected to complete five distinct projects encompassing various animation techniques including traditional, cutout, and digital methods. These projects can help you hone technical skills as well as creative expression. The program curriculum also offers an in-depth study of the history of animation and the work of notable animators. Also part of the program is figure drawing classes meant to help you hone observational and artistic skills. Additionally, field visits to top animation studios and local museums add to the learning experience, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the professional animation environment.
You will also get to learn from professional animators during guest sessions. You can check out the list of past guests here.
9. USC School of Cinematic Arts Summer Program
Location: University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $2,244 per course unit (students can choose up to 8 units) + $2,100–$2,600 (housing costs)
Eligibility: Anyone who is at least 16 years old can apply.
Application deadline: TBA, but applications typically open in December.
Program dates: June 24, 2024–August 2, 2024
The USC School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) Summer Program is a pre-college program designed for students interested in cinematic arts. It offers a variety of courses including production, editing, animation, screenwriting, interactive media, and film and television business. Each course carries a certain number of units, and students can choose courses totaling up to 8 units, allowing them to tailor their summer education to their specific interests.
For students particularly interested in animation, the Animation Fundamentals course is worth considering. This course delves into the essential principles of motion and timing that are crucial for creating compelling traditional 2D animation. Taught by faculty members of the USC SCA, who are also industry professionals, the course provides students with insights into the professional animation landscape. Throughout the program, students will have the opportunity to study a variety of innovative animated works used in commercials, art installations, and music videos.
10. School of Visual Arts Pre-College Program
Location: Virtual and on-campus (School of Visual Arts, New York, NY) options
Cost: Tuition fees are $3,250 (in-person) and $2,700 (online). Financial aid is available. For in-person, residential format, the housing fee is $1,950 and meal plan costs $600.
Eligibility: All high school students can apply.
Application deadline: TBA, but applications typically open in December.
Program dates: July 8–26, 2024
The School of Visual Arts (SVA)’s Pre-College Program allows high school students to earn 3 college credits while taking in-person or online courses. Each course has a class size of 20 students. Students can choose from a range of subjects, including animation. SVA offers in-person courses like Animation, Computer Art: Computer Animation, and Real-Time Animated Film Production and online courses like Animation and Computer Art: Computer Animation. These courses cover the essentials of both traditional and digital animation, including 3D animation with the help of Autodesk Maya. Participants may get the chance to create a short animated film and develop stills of their characters, complete with editing and sound.
Classes are scheduled from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm. The program ends with a final student exhibition and screening, showcasing the work of the students to their families and friends. This event serves as a celebration of the skills and artistry developed over the course of the program.
For more detailed information on course offerings and to plan your summer at SVA, check out the program brochure here before applying.
11. The Cooper Union Summer Art Intensive
Location: The Cooper Union campus, Manhattan, NY
Cost: $4,000
Eligibility: All high school students can apply.
Application deadline: TBA
Program dates: July 8, 2024–August 1, 2024
The Cooper Union’s Summer Art Intensive allows students to select from a variety of courses, including drawing, animation, digital photography, graphic design, and studio practice, each designed to enhance their artistic skills in a specific area.
For those interested in animation, the Animation & Drawing course is an ideal choice. This course focuses on developing fundamental skills necessary for animation, supplemented by a series of discussions, technical demonstrations, and both individual and group workshops. Students will create several short animations and one long animation project with the help of industry-standard software such as Photoshop and Premiere Pro.
In addition to helping build technical skills, the course focuses on art-making and its applications in the real world through lectures, demonstrations, exercises, and critiques. This approach ensures students have an in-depth understanding of both the creative and practical aspects of art. Also part of the experience are activities like special focus workshops each week, social events, and field trips to New York City’s renowned museums, galleries, and artists’ studios. These experiences provide students with inspiration and real-world exposure to the arts community.
12. NSLC High School Digital Arts & Design Program
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: $4,095. Financial aid is available.
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 14–18 who have completed at least one year of high school can apply.
Application deadline: Rolling basis. The program will continue to accept applications if space is available.
Program dates: You can choose between two summer sessions: June 17–25, 2024 and June 29, 2024–July 7, 2024
The National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) helps high school students explore various professional fields. Its Digital Arts & Design Program, specifically, focuses on career paths in the arts, allowing students to learn from professionals in the field. When applying, students choose from three specialized tracks: Photography, Animation, or Graphic Design.
The Animation track covers essential aspects of animation production through workshops on character design, drawing motions, timing, syncing, and cleanup processes. The hands-on component of the program enables students to work on their animations using computers and drawing tablets, applying computer-based techniques to bring their visions to life.
Students can also expect educational trips to notable institutions and studios like Pratt Institute, Nickelodeon, The Mill Studio, and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). These visits offer insights into the professional environment and creative processes at leading arts organizations. Additionally, the program includes professional guidance on portfolio and resume building, marketing artwork, and freelancing, providing students with essential skills required for a career in digital arts.
Bonus!
13. New York Film Academy 3D Animation Summer Camp
Location: Virtual and in-person (Los Angeles, CA and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA)
Cost: $2,625 (online) and $4,100 (in-person)
Eligibility: High school students who are 14–17 years old can apply.
Application deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
Program dates: June 24, 2024–July 19, 2024 (online) | June 30, 2024–July 20, 2024 (Los Angeles, CA) | July 14, 2024–August 3, 2024 (Harvard University)
The New York Film Academy, a prestigious private institution dedicated to teaching film and acting, offers a range of camps and workshops specifically designed for teens interested in filmmaking or related fields. Among them is the 3D Animation Summer Camp, which provides an introduction to the fundamentals of animation. Here, participants will learn crucial animation concepts such as movement, timing, weight, and character development utilizing the industry-standard Maya software.
Students will also get to engage in basic modeling, rendering, and motion exercises to create their own animated shorts. The camp curriculum also emphasizes the importance of idea development through various cinematic techniques, including acting, directing, storyboarding, and screenwriting. This integrated approach ensures that students not only grasp technical animation skills but also understand the storytelling and creative direction that goes into animation.
For those considering the 3-week camp, detailed information about housing costs based on location is available here. Additionally, they can review the NYFA brochure, which covers all camp details.
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Stephen is one of the founders of Ladder Internships and a Harvard College graduate.