Pathways and Access to career readiness and skills in drawing, design, and animation

WBD strives to provide equal opportunity to all. The WBD Access Digital Dove Lab: Animation and Training Studio, in collaboration with Covenant House California, aims to provide training, access and opportunities that lead to long-term financial sustainability and career success in animation, design and the digital arts. 

WBD Access and Covenant House California (CHC) bring you The Digital Dove Lab: Animation and Training Studio, a program that aims to train young talent who have faced barriers breaking into the industry in the fundamentals of drawing, design, and animation, setting them on a path to permanently transition to formerly homeless youth. 

The six-month, 20-hour/week training program focuses on: 1) Drawing; 2) Design; 3) Storyboarding; and 4) Animated Character Development as well as the development of soft-skills and relationship-building that will increase participants' chances of succeeding in a professional setting. While youth are training, they are compensated for their attendance. When the training period has ended, participants can either A) continue their training, for a second semester; B) transition to an accredited school or university to pursue further education, or C) pursue employment or apprenticeship with a partner studio agency. During the semesters, students are developing portfolios that will help them in their interview process for either school or employment. A unique aspect of this program that will aid its efficacy, visibility, and sustainability is its already-growing network of partnerships with major studios/entertainment companies.