Grantee Database
Worldwide Starship Foundation
Grant Year
2026-27
Grant Program
General Operating Support
Award Amount
$18,000.00
Project Description
With support from the California Arts Council, Plan of Action, dba Worldwide Starship Foundation, will provide general support for the Rain Man Initiative, a program that provides scaffolded training in animation to people with autism and other intellectual disabilities. Our students work remotely, learning Toon Boom and Adobe Creative Suite software that is essential for working in animation. We then pair them with animation studios that provide them with paid apprenticeships, leading to jobs in the animation and entertainment industries. Participants who may have struggled to excel in traditional job interview and employment situations can work from the comfort of their own homes, following their passions and creating both animated films and meaningful lives for themselves.
Organization Summary
Worldwide Starship Foundation provides a specialized training program in animation, artificial intelligence, and digital arts for adults on the autism spectrum. Taught virtually by live instructors, this program is designed to equip participants with the specific skills necessary for launching successful careers in the animation industry.
Our training aims to foster the development of in-demand skills, preparing individuals for entry into the workforce. All instructors skill trainers at VAA are active professionals within animation, AI, and digital arts sectors, possessing extensive experience working with diverse populations.
Our curriculum encompasses essential topics such as Story Development, Artificial Intelligence Prompting, Character Design, Storyboarding, Rigging, and Compositing. The pathway to employment includes six months of skills training, advanced training, paid apprenticeships, on-the-job training and comprehensive coaching support. The academy has established partnerships with animation production studios to facilitate job opportunities for top graduates.
Organization
Worldwide Starship Foundation
Address
7650 HASKELL AVENUE NO 4
VAN NUYS
91406-2047
County
Los Angeles
Region
South – Los Angeles & Orange
Website
Congressional District
29th Congressional District
State Assembly District
District 46
State Senate District
District 20
