Exceptional Minds Full-Time Professional Training Program is designed for young adults on the autism spectrum who are motivated and capable of learning the technical and work-readiness skills necessary to work independently in the competitive fields of Visual Effects and Animation.
We provide technical training in an array of professional software as well as professional training in portfolio creation, interview skills, and career path planning in order to focus the students’ career interests, prospects, and goals.
Our three-year Full-Time Program offers a crucial bridge between high school and opportunities for meaningful employment by building on the strengths of our students.Tuition Assistance may be available for those students accepted and enrolled into the program. If you would like to apply for tuition assistance please see the FAST link on the Visit and Apply page.
Full-Time Program General Information | Full-Time Program Course Information
"I am so thankful to Exceptional Minds for giving me the chance to have a future".
Jeremy Pollock, 2015 Graduate
Full-Time Program General Information
Full-Time Program Course Information
Studio Track Classes – Full-Time students receive specialized training to prepare them for jobs in either Visual Effects or Animation.
Technical Core Classes – Students broaden their technical skill sets and learn the fundamental concepts used in digital arts
including the Elements and Principles of Design in Photoshop, Motion Graphics Animation in After Effects and/or
3D Design and Animation in Maya and Zbrush.
Vocational Classes – Students learn professional behavior, job seeking, and career planning skills. Students receive three years
of hands-on practice and guidance with resume writing, interviewing, and building a demo reel.
Survey Courses in three subjects
Animation, Visual Effects, 3D
Technical Core Course
Photoshop
Vocational Course
Work Readiness
Studio Track Course
Intermediate Visual Effects or Animation
Technical Core Course
Motion Graphics or 3D
Vocational Course
Career Realities
Studio Track Course
Advanced Visual Effects or Animation
Technical Core Course
Motion Graphics or 3D
Vocational Course
Portfolio
Full-Time Admissions
In order to select the best candidates for our program, Exceptional Minds has established an Admissions Assessment process. Prospective applicants are required to take a tour in order to determine their level of interest in our program before submitting an application. After an application is submitted, Exceptional Minds conducts a review of student records, surveys parents and professionals who have worked directly with the individual, and schedules a one-hour admissions assessment of the potential candidate.
Notification of Admission
Every effort will be made upfront to ensure the highest likelihood of a match prior to assessment. In some instances, however, applicants who still need substantive improvement may be assessed. When the results of the assessment indicate that an applicant is not a good match for the Exceptional Minds program, he/she may be notified immediately. Applicants that are being considered for the Full-Time Program will be notified by April 1st of the results and admissions decisions.
Once applicants are notified of acceptance into the full-time program, Exceptional Minds will mail a contract and tuition/deposit information to the responsible parties. Exceptional Minds must receive a completed and signed contract and a $1,000.00 deposit by May 1st in order to reserve a spot for the fall semester. First semester tuition is due by August 1st; second semester tuition is due December 1st.