Grantee Database

Worldwide Starship Foundation

Grant Year

2026-27

Grant Program

Arts and Youth

Award Amount

$18,750.00

Project Description

With support from the California Arts Council, Plan of Action DBA Worldwide Starship Foundation will provide program support to 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

Email

Congressional District

29th Congressional District

State Assembly District

District 46

State Senate District

District 20

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