Exceptional Minds
Exceptional Minds is a nonprofit academy and post-production studio for people with autism, offering comprehensive training and career placement in animation and visual effects.
Services
Exceptional Minds provides a comprehensive set of services designed for individuals with autism. The organization offers a three-year full-time program, private lessons, summer workshops, and small group instructions to prepare students for careers in animation and visual effects. Customized technical and work readiness training, as well as career placement services, are available. Private lessons, workshops, mentorships, and internships help students gain hands-on experience in the competitive entertainment industry.
Graduates Employment
Graduates from Exceptional Minds have found full-time employment in major entertainment studios, including Disney/Marvel, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network. The academy focuses on creating sustainable careers and inclusive workplaces in partnership with industry leaders, ensuring that graduates have ample opportunities in the animation and digital arts fields.
Studio Projects
The professional studio at Exceptional Minds has worked on over 345 projects, including Oscar-winning films. It collaborates with notable entertainment companies such as Disney, Marvel, ILM, Netflix, Amazon, Warner Bros., Universal, Paramount, and Sesame Workshop. High-profile projects include 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,' 'Avengers: Endgame,' and 'Black Panther.' Additionally, the studio has contributed to projects for the Special Olympics, LA Zoo, and Sesame Street.
Education Programs
Exceptional Minds offers various educational programs, including the Prep Program, Freelance Exceptional Artist Training (FLEAT), and PACE. The full-time program runs from September to June, with classes held on weekdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The academy also provides after-school and Saturday workshops from September to May, and intensive summer workshops from June to August. Private lessons are available both on-site and virtually for students ages 14 and above.
Student-Teacher Ratio and Success Rate
Exceptional Minds maintains a student-teacher ratio below 7:1, facilitating personalized instruction and support. The academy boasts a 95% graduation rate and has had over 1,400 participants to date. This high success rate demonstrates the effectiveness of their programs in preparing students for careers in the competitive fields of animation and visual effects.