With support from the California Arts Council, Reel Start will provide a free yearlong animation and creative workforce program for 13 public high school students at Grover Cleveland Charter High School in Reseda. Students will collaborate with California teaching artists, mentors, and production partners to write, develop, and premiere an original animated short film while building storytelling, technical, and workplace skills. CAC Arts and Youth funds will support direct project personnel, including the Program Lead/Teaching Artist and Program Coordinator, who make the cohort possible through instruction, student support, school-site coordination, accessibility planning, and project management. The project culminates in a public premiere in June or July 2027 and connects students to Reel Steps, Reel Start’s alumni pathway to internships, college, and paid creative work.