Exceptional Minds

Exceptional Minds is a non-profit vocational school and working studio based in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, California, dedicated to educating and preparing individuals on the autism spectrum for careers in digital arts and animation. Founded in 2011, Exceptional Minds offers a unique blend of academic instruction, hands-on training, and work readiness programs designed to empower its students with the skills necessary to achieve employment in the competitive fields of computer graphics, visual effects, and animation.

History

Exceptional Minds was established with the goal of addressing the high unemployment and underemployment rates among adults on the autism spectrum. Recognizing the natural talents and abilities that many individuals with autism have in areas requiring attention to detail, such as animation, graphic design, and visual effects, the founders aimed to create a bridge between these talents and the needs of the digital arts industry. Since its inception, Exceptional Minds has grown significantly, both in the number of students it serves and in its industry recognition and partnerships.

Programs

The school offers a three-year, full-time program that covers a wide range of digital arts disciplines, including Adobe Creative Suite, Maya, and other industry-standard software tools. The curriculum is designed to not only teach technical skills but also to foster work-readiness and social skills, preparing students for professional environments. Upon completion of the program, students have the opportunity to work in the Exceptional Minds Studio, which operates as a professional studio, providing services to real-world clients and projects.

Studio

The Exceptional Minds Studio is an integral part of the organization, serving as both a training facility and a professional studio. It has contributed to numerous high-profile projects, offering services such as title design, rotoscoping, visual effects cleanup, and animation. The studio not only allows students to gain valuable work experience but also helps to sustain the non-profit through its commercial endeavors.

Impact

Exceptional Minds has made a significant impact on the lives of its students and the broader autism community. By providing a pathway to employment, the organization helps to address the economic and social challenges faced by adults on the autism spectrum. Its success stories include graduates who have gone on to work for major entertainment companies and on blockbuster films.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite its successes, Exceptional Minds faces ongoing challenges, including the need for continued funding and support to expand its programs and reach more individuals. The organization is also working to adapt to the rapidly changing digital arts industry, ensuring that its curriculum remains relevant and that its students are prepared for the future of work.

See Also

• Autism spectrum
• Digital arts
• Vocational education
• Animation industry