Applications are open now through April 11, 2025 for this year’s Summer Learning Program! Now in its fifth year, the Academy Software Foundation’s Summer Learning Program is organized by our Diversity & Inclusion Working Group and aims to provide a mix of practical skills, professional mentorship, and a community of peers, to students and early career learners from traditionally underrepresented communities.
The 2025 Summer Learning Program will run from June 1 through July 31. This year’s cohort is open to those who identify as an underrepresented gender in the visual effects (VFX) or 3D animation industries, including those who identify as a woman, nonbinary, transgender, and/or gender fluid. Within that cohort, anyone looking to explore technical careers in animation and visual effects (for example, R&D Engineer, Pipeline Technical Director, or Color Scientist) is encouraged to apply!
The Summer Learning Program is completely remote and includes self-guided online lessons and group sessions with guest speakers. Participants are also matched with an industry professional for one-on-one mentorship throughout the program. Past mentors have included professionals from DreamWorks Animation, Industrial Light & Magic, Netflix, Amazon Web Services, Pixar, and Autodesk, to name a few.
The deadline to apply for the 2025 Summer Learning Program is April 11, 2025. Applicants will be informed of final decisions by May 14, 2025.
Visit the Summer Learning Program website for details on how to apply, program expectations, and other resources: https://www.aswf.io/summer-learning-program/
You can also learn more about the Summer Learning Program from previous participants and mentors in these blog posts:
