Portland Community College has joined forces with LAIKA to offer new opportunities for aspiring animators and foster diversity and inclusivity within the industry.
The Hillsboro-based stop-motion animation studio pledged $60,000 to the PCC Foundation over the next two years to support the newly established LAIKA Scholarship and fund three new animation and stop-motion courses. The money will also bolster PCC’s current multimedia and video production certificate programs, as well as fund a multimedia internship.
An “Animation & Motion Graphics Program” associates degree is also in the works — though not yet approved by the state — in which industry professionals would teach a blend of traditional and digital animation techniques and skills through hands-on learning.
“Our commitment extends to nurturing film narratives that encompass a wide range of experiences and to help grow the next generation of storytellers who will carry our art form forward,” said LAIKA’s Chief Marketing and Operations Officer David Burke.