When people hear the word “animation,” several different images might come to mind. Some people might picture a Disney movie or a beloved cartoon from childhood, while others might think of their favorite video game. However, animation skills aren’t just reserved for blockbuster movies. On the contrary, multiple industries employ animators for an exciting range of jobs. Professional animators can work in marketing to create a visual rendering of what a product can do, or they can work alongside scientists to help them display the results of a research project.
Creative high school students who are eager to add marketable skills to their resumes might consider learning the basics of animation over the summer. This valuable trade has applications in virtually every industry and is predicted to grow rapidly over the next decade. Keep reading to learn more about programs that help high school students learn the fundamentals of animation over the summer. You can also skip directly to a program by clicking its name in the list below:
- NextGen Bootcamp – Animation with After Effects
- NextGen Bootcamp – Video Editing with Premiere Pro
- NextGen Bootcamp – Video & Animation Certificate
- Noble Desktop – After Effects Bootcamp
- Noble Desktop – Video Editing & Motion Graphics Certificate
- Cerstaffix – Adobe Animate CC Course
- Future Media Concepts – Fundamentals of Cinema 4D
Types of Animation Summer Programs for High School Students
High school students can attend a few different types of animation programs over the summer. The most notable difference between these programs is the in-person vs. online learning formats. While most students are familiar with traditional in-person learning, remote animation courses are more accessible to students who, for example, live in a rural area or cannot access reliable transportation. All the programs listed below provide a virtual option, but some schools have in-person campuses for students who prefer this approach.
Summer animation programs also vary in length. Some of these courses can be completed in just a few days, while others require a more significant time investment. Longer courses are more thorough, but they can also be more expensive, so it’s crucial to find a class that fits your budget. Most of the programs listed are beginner-friendly, but some previous design or animation experience might be beneficial to ensure you aren’t too overwhelmed by new concepts.
#1: NextGen Bootcamp - Animation with After Effects
What is Taught in This Program?
The Animation with After Effects summer program at NextGen Bootcamp covers animation fundamentals using Adobe After Effects, one of the most commonly used tools in the industry. Students will learn to animate text and graphics, add audio to their designs, and gain exposure to 3D animation concepts.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
This class is targeted toward beginners. Aside from basic computer skills, no other experience is required to enroll.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
This course is available live online or at NextGen’s campus in New York City. Students who live in nearby areas like New Jersey or Pennsylvania can still commute since the school is located near several transportation options. Virtual students use Zoom to participate and get feedback from their instructors.
How Long Does This Program Last?
This course provides students with 24 hours of hands-on instruction.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
This class is designed for high school and college students.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
The program is $1,499 per person. This course is not eligible for any discounts or financial aid. However, students who want to learn more about animation principles can combine the course with a video editing program in NextGen’s Video & Animation Certificate at a reduced price.
#2: NextGen Bootcamp - Video Editing with Premiere Pro
What is Taught in This Program?
NextGen Bootcamp also offers a Video Editing with Premiere Pro course over the summer. Participants will learn a variety of editing techniques, including color correction, transitions, and green screen removal. Students are also taught how to appropriately resize and export their videos, making them available to share on social media or in a digital portfolio.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
This beginner-friendly class does not require previous video editing experience.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
Students can attend either in-person or live online. NextGen’s campus is located in New York City. Virtual students will participate via Zoom.
How Long Does This Program Last?
This program lasts for one week in the summer. Students will attend classes Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm EST.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
NextGen courses are designed for students in high school or college.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
The tuition for this class is $1,299 per person. Students who participate remotely will need to acquire the software for the class, but NextGen provides support with accessing a free trial of the Adobe Creative Cloud. There is no financial aid available for this course. Students who want to learn this material at a discount may be interested in NextGen Bootcamp’s Video & Animation Certificate, which combines this curriculum with an animation course.
#3: NextGen Bootcamp - Video & Animation Certificate
What is Taught in This Program?
The Video & Animation Certificate from NextGen Bootcamp could be a great fit for students who want to learn as much as possible about animation over the summer. The program starts with video editing using Adobe Premiere Pro before diving into animation techniques with Adobe After Effects. Throughout the course, students can add their completed projects to a digital portfolio which they can then share with potential employers or on college applications.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
This course is suitable for beginners as long as they possess basic computer skills. NextGen instructors will assist with setting up their devices before the class starts.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
Students can participate online or in-person at NextGen’s campus in the heart of Manhattan. Remote students will use Zoom to connect with their peers and receive real-time support from their instructor.
How Long Does This Program Last?
This course is taught over 41 hours of live instruction.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
All NextGen’s programs are geared toward high school and college students.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
This program is priced at $1,999 and includes a certificate of completion as well as the option to retake it for free within a year. While participants are not eligible for financial aid, this program is already being offered at a reduced rate. Taking the animation and video editing courses separately would be $2,798, meaning this certificate is discounted by over 25%.
#4: Noble Desktop - After Effects Bootcamp
What is Taught in This Program?
Noble Desktop’s After Effects Bootcamp teaches students how to create animations using Adobe After Effects. In a few days, participants will practice critical animation skills, including creating transitions, adding audio and text to their animations, and animating in 3D layers. The curriculum also discusses the rendering and publishing process so students can share their work with potential employers or share them on social media.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
This course is suitable for beginners. While knowledge of other Adobe programs like Photoshop and Illustrator is helpful, it is not required. Prior to the beginning of class, Noble Desktop staff will provide computer setup assistance, including helping students access a free trial of the Adobe Creative Cloud.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
Noble Desktop offers all of its courses in-person and live online. The campus is located near many public transportation options in Manhattan, making commuting convenient for students who live nearby. Online students will use Zoom to participate in the program.
How Long Does This Program Last?
This course lasts for three full days. Classes are held from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm EST.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
High school students who are already 18 or turning 18 in the near future are eligible to enroll.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
This bootcamp costs $975 per person. This price includes a workbook that students take with them and can refer back to as they continue their training and a free retake offer within one year. This course isn’t eligible for any discounts, but students interested in animation can take the Video Editing & Motion Graphics Certificate, which combines several related bootcamps at a discounted price.
#5: Noble Desktop - Video Editing & Motion Graphics Certificate
What is Taught in This Program?
High schoolers who are interested in a more comprehensive animation education may look into completing Noble Desktop’s Video Editing & Motion Graphics Certificate over the summer. This program covers a range of different Adobe programs and their relationship to video editing and motion graphic design. For instance, students will learn to use Adobe After Effects for animation, Adobe Audition for sound editing, and Adobe Premiere Pro for video editing. Throughout the course, students will build a demo reel to help them publicly demonstrate their skills.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
Beginners are welcome to participate, though some previous design experience can be beneficial.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
Students can earn this certificate either virtually or in-person at Noble’s Manhattan campus. Virtual classes take place live, so students can still interact with other students and get support with challenging topics in real time.
How Long Does This Program Last?
This program is available on a full-time schedule for two months or a part-time schedule for four months. The part-time sessions are held on weekday evenings.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
High school juniors and seniors can take this class as long as they are 18 or turning 18 soon.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
This certificate is priced at $4,995 per person. This price does include the option to retake the course for free within one year, which many students feel helps them retain information and gain additional practice. Noble’s certificate programs also provide students with individual career mentorship sessions to help them polish their resumes and learn valuable tips for entering a competitive job market.
Students can finance their tuition with 0% interest over 12 months. Noble also allows students to pay their tuition in installments as long as the total amount is paid before the class begins.
#6: Certstaffix Training - Adobe Animate CC Course
What is Taught in This Program?
Certstaffix Training has a three-day Adobe Animate CC class to help students learn the basics of this 2D animation software. The class covers important skills like creating accurate voiceover animations, organizing multiple layers, and frame-by-frame animation. This course is designed to provide beginner animators with the skills they need as they prepare to learn more advanced techniques.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
This beginner-friendly course has no prerequisites.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
This program is taught live online, so students should have access to their own computers. You can also use a computer at one of Certstaffix’s many computer lab locations. Students are provided with a free trial of Adobe Animate for the duration of the course.
How Long Does This Program Last?
This course takes three full days to complete. Classes are held from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm EST. Keep in mind that you must register two weeks before your preferred course date.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
Age information is not provided on the Certstaffix website. High schoolers interested in this course should contact the school directly.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
The price of this course is $1,330, which is due 15 days after registration is complete.
#7: Future Media Concepts - Fundamentals of Cinema 4D
What is Taught in This Program?
Future Media Concepts has a Fundamentals of Cinema 4D course available during the summer months. Cinema 4D is an animation and 3D modeling program that is used by many professionals in the film and television industry. This program is designed to teach students the fundamentals of the program so they can work independently to build simple animation projects from start to finish.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
This program is designed to be beginner friendly as long as students possess basic computer skills. Familiarity with Photoshop, After Effects, and Illustrator is beneficial for students, but it is not required.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
Most students enrolled in this program will attend virtually. However, Future Media Concepts does have in-person training centers in the following US locations: Boston, Chicago, Irvine, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. There is also a center in Toronto, Canada.
How Long Does This Program Last?
This course is three days long. Classes take place from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
Students at Future Media Concepts tend to be 18 or older. Younger students can contact the school directly to ask about specific age requirements.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
This program costs $1,895 per person, though occasional promotional discounts are available on the Future Media Concepts website. For this price, students are guaranteed small classes of no more than 12 students and can retake the course for free.
Why Learn Animation During the Summer?
Learning something as seemingly complex as animation over a single summer may sound impossible, but animation is a skill that actually lends itself to being learned quickly. Visual information is processed 60,000x faster than text, so studying a primarily visual mode of communication is an excellent idea, especially when you have limited time. Of course, this isn’t to say that you can learn all there is to know about animation over a few months. But you can gain a solid amount of fundamental skills that will help you prepare for college admissions or jump straight into a professional career in animation.
Careers in animation are also expected to grow significantly in the next several years; the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that careers requiring an animation or special effects background will increase by 16%, almost double the national average. Some related careers include graphic design and advertising, which are also expected to grow in demand. Additionally, elearning is a rapidly growing field with high demand for animators. Researchers have recognized that today’s students benefit from an education that incorporates animation to illustrate complex concepts. In short, animation is a career path that allows students to utilize creativity while providing much-needed stability.
Which Animation Summer Program is Right for Me?
Now that you’ve seen the types of animation programs available to high schoolers over the summer, it’s understandable if you’re feeling anxious about making sure you choose the best program for your needs and goals. Luckily, there are a few factors you can consider and prioritize which will help make your final selection a lot simpler.
Many students identify finances as the primary barrier to enrolling in a summer program. Spending a few thousand dollars on a class is a huge undertaking, even if animation is a financially lucrative career path. If money is your greatest worry, consider eliminating courses that don’t offer discounts, payment plans, or other types of financial aid.
It’s important to dig a little deeper rather than just looking at the overall price of a class when making your decision. For example, NextGen Bootcamp’s Video & Animation Certificate costs $1,999, while the Certstaffix Adobe Animate course is $1,330; on the surface, the Certstaffix program seems like the better deal. However, the NextGen program provides 41 hours of instruction, and the Certstaffix program is only 18 hours, meaning the NextGen certificate costs roughly $49/hour, and the Certstaffix course costs closer to $74/hour.
Your ideal learning environment is also essential to reflect on. Virtual learning is more convenient and flexible, but it’s also not for everyone. If you know you struggle to work from home, an in-person program might be the best option. NextGen and Noble Desktop courses are available in-person, and Future Media Concepts has campuses in a few major cities across the country.
The many available animation summer programs can meet a range of both financial and academic needs. Narrowing your search for a course requires up-front effort, but it ensures you’ll get the most out of your education. Whatever program you select, learning animation skills over the summer is an excellent way to invest in your future and create lasting professional and personal connections.