Final admission deadline
17 May 2026
Latest verified general admission date.
In-person Program
Animation High School Course
A hands-on pre-college animation course focused on storytelling, studio practice, professional tools, and producing an original short film.
Last verified: 26 Aug 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
In-person Program
Animation High School Course
A hands-on pre-college animation course focused on storytelling, studio practice, professional tools, and producing an original short film.
Last verified: 26 Aug 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
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Animation Summer Course at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Applications open
Eligibility
Completed Grade 8; 3.0 GPA
Age range / Year group
Grades 9-12 (about 14-18)
Location / Region
UCLA, Los Angeles
Cost
$3,298 commuter; $6,298 residential
Duration
2 weeks
Format
In-person
Application deadline
Rolling · Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.
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Language: English
Meals: 3 daily residential; commuter lunch
Certificate: Completion certificate
Sessions / cadence: 9 x 3-hour weekday classes
Campus options: Residential or commuter
Main output: Original short animated film
Animation Summer Course summary
Students build animation fundamentals through studio exercises, guided projects, technical instruction, and artistic exploration.
The central project is an original animated short developed from concept through final production, with critique and mentorship supporting each stage.
It suits creative learners who want to test animation as an academic interest or career direction while developing portfolio-ready work.
What is Animation High School Course?
The Animation High School Course is a Summer Springboard pre-college experience combining hands-on studio work, technical instruction, and artistic exploration. Students study principles including timing, movement, exaggeration, and visual storytelling.
The course follows the animation production process from initial ideas to a finished short film. Daily projects, critique, industry insight, guest contributions, and possible museum or studio visits connect creative practice with professional animation careers.
Why Succeed highlights Animation Summer Course
Students complete a substantial animated short rather than isolated exercises alone.
The curriculum combines traditional and digital techniques with storyboarding, character design, motion, and storytelling.
Iterative critique and personalized feedback make creative revision part of the learning process.
Industry speakers and potential studio or museum visits add career context to classroom work.
The residential and commuter pathways let families choose between campus living and weekday attendance.
Who is Animation Summer Course for?
Best for
Creative students who want structured animation practice, portfolio work, and a realistic introduction to industry roles.
Not ideal if
You want an accredited college course, a purely software-focused class, or extensive specialization in one animation technique.
Is Animation Summer Course worth it?
The course can be worthwhile for a student who wants to move beyond casual animation experiments and complete a guided creative project. The finished film, critique process, and career exposure provide concrete material for reflection and a portfolio.
The main limitation is that UCLA does not award college credit for this course, and the concentrated schedule leaves limited time for mastering advanced techniques. Its substantial tuition also means families should value the campus experience and wider programming, not only the classroom hours.
A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.
Cost and what is included
$3,298 commuter; $6,298 residential; includes Residential tuition includes lodging, all meals, coursework, excursions, and weekend excursions., Commuter tuition includes lunch, coursework, excursions, and weekday programming from 9am to 5pm., Residential tuition includes a basic dormitory linen package..
Meals
3 daily residential; commuter lunch
Provider details
Review the Summer Springboard provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
2 weeks; UCLA, Los Angeles.
What to check before committing
Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.
Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.
Compare with similar programsHow much preparation does Animation Summer Course need?
Effort level
High
Best started
Two to three months before the next published application deadline.
Main challenge
Turning an initial story concept into a polished film on schedule.
Typical preparation
Collect a few examples of animation styles and stories that inspire you.
Practice basic storyboarding and plan a short idea that can be completed quickly.
Organize academic, travel, health, and identification documents before starting the application.
Useful if
You already enjoy drawing, storytelling, filmmaking, or digital creativity.
What do students do on Animation Summer Course?
Students move through a practical animation workflow supported by daily exercises, guided projects, critique, and industry context.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Learn core animation principles such as timing, movement, exaggeration, and storytelling.
- 2
Develop an original concept and translate it into a visual narrative.
- 3
Practice storyboarding, character design, and motion through traditional and digital techniques.
- 4
Animate and edit the project through guided studio work.
- 5
Refine the film through critique, collaboration, and instructor feedback.
- 6
Explore animation careers through professional insight and possible course-related excursions.
Animation Summer Course dates and deadlines
Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.
Reference date
Session 1
21 June-3 July 2026
Two-week UCLA animation session.
Session 2
5-17 July 2026
Two-week UCLA animation session.
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Final admission deadline | 17 May 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Session 1 | 21 June-3 July 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Session 2 | 5-17 July 2026 | Local | Reference date |
Eligibility and requirements
Completed eighth grade by the program start date
Grades 9-12, including rising ninth graders
Minimum 3.0 GPA or local equivalent
English proficiency required for international students
Must meet the Essential Eligibility Criteria
How much does Animation Summer Course cost?
Program tuition
$3,298 commuter; $6,298 residential — Choose weekday attendance or the residential campus package.
Funding or discounts
- Application fee: From $99 — Mandatory and nonrefundable.
- Deposit: $600 — Paid during application to hold a place.
- Need-based scholarship: Up to 30% or 60% — Residential support is up to 30%; commuter support is up to 60%.
- Selected discounts: 5% — Published categories include eligible service families, siblings, referrals, and multiple programs.
What's included
Residential tuition includes lodging, all meals, coursework, excursions, and weekend excursions., Commuter tuition includes lunch, coursework, excursions, and weekday programming from 9am to 5pm., Residential tuition includes a basic dormitory linen package.
How to apply to Animation Summer Course
- 1
Open the official application portal and enter basic contact information.
- 2
Confirm the verification email and complete the account details.
- 3
Create a new application from the dashboard.
- 4
Select UCLA, the preferred session, Animation, and the tuition type.
- 5
Complete the application with the student present and submit all required forms.
- 6
Pay the deposit and application fee, then await the enrollment decision.
What does Animation Summer Course cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Animation principles
Study timing, movement, exaggeration, and visual storytelling.
Story and design
Develop storyboards, characters, and coherent visual narratives.
Animation production
Use traditional and digital techniques to produce an animated short.
Industry pathways
Explore storyboarding, visual effects, production, and related careers.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on Animation Summer Course?
A typical day during the program.
Week one classes
Animation classes run 9am-noon, Monday through Friday.
Week two classes
Animation classes run 9am-noon, Monday through Thursday.
Course enrichment
Students join a course-specific excursion, guest speaker, or activity.
Campus programming
The wider schedule includes readiness workshops, activities, meals, clubs, and residential night checks.
Who teaches on Animation Summer Course?
Courses are taught by faculty recruited from colleges, universities, and professional settings for their subject expertise and ability to engage students. Experienced instructors and visiting animation professionals provide mentorship, feedback, and career insight.
The named UCLA animation instructor for the verified 2026 cycle had not been announced.
Where do students stay on Animation Summer Course?
Residential plan
- UCLA dormitory: Students stay in gender-separated triple rooms with a basic linen package.
- Meals: Three daily meals are included, with several dietary accommodations available.
- Residential support: Staff live in the dorms, while security and UCLA Police operate around the clock.
- Campus life: Evening clubs, social activities, and weekend excursions complement the course.
Non-residential plan
- Commuter day: Weekday programming runs 9am-5pm and includes lunch and excursions.
Residential students stay in triple rooms with communal bathrooms; commuter weekend excursions cost extra.
What happens after Animation Summer Course?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Add an original animated short to a creative portfolio.
Use the project to demonstrate technical skill and storytelling.
Receive a completion certificate after finishing the program.
Receive a professor-completed letter of recommendation.
Explore careers in storyboarding, character design, visual effects, and production.
The UCLA course does not award college credit.
Where does Animation Summer Course take place?
The course takes place on the UCLA campus in Los Angeles, placing students near a major global animation and entertainment center. Campus study may be complemented by course-related museum visits, studio insight, and wider Los Angeles activities.
Summer Springboard runs the program independently; UCLA does not control or operate it.
Animation Summer Course FAQs
Students develop an original short animated film from initial concept through final production or editing. The finished work can also contribute to a college admissions portfolio.
The curriculum covers timing, movement, exaggeration, storytelling, storyboarding, character design, and motion. Students work with both traditional and digital techniques.
The course includes nine three-hour classes. Week one runs Monday through Friday from 9am to noon, while week two runs Monday through Thursday at the same time.
Yes. Families can choose residential tuition or a commuter option with weekday programming from 9am to 5pm.
Residential students receive three meals each day. Commuter tuition includes lunch, and the dining provision can accommodate several dietary requirements.
No. Summer Springboard limits college credit to its Cal Poly and NYSID programs, so the UCLA animation course provides a completion certificate instead.
The application includes account and contact details, short-answer questions, signed agreements, and payment of the deposit and application fee. Students must be present while the full application is completed.
Summer Springboard staff live in the dorms and are available for support and emergencies. The buildings use electronic access and have 24-hour security.
Alternatives to Animation Summer Course
Compare these creative and technology-focused programs if animation is not the only route you are considering.
Alternatives to Animation Summer Course
Creative technology projects with a game-design focus
Art
Deadline: Not announced
From £4295
14-18
Los Angeles
In-person
Best for
Students considering interactive media alongside animation.
Two weeks of practical creative exploration
Art
Deadline: Not announced
Cost not listed
11-16
Wimborne
In-person
Best for
Younger students seeking broad art and design experience.
Software development and gaming career exploration
Coding & AI
25 May 2026
From £5995
15-18
London
In-person
Best for
Students leaning toward coding and interactive entertainment.
Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programsContent reviewed by
Ben Stacy
Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader
Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.
Sources and verification
Source types reviewed
- (1) New Messages!
- Terms & Conditions | Policies & Terms | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
- Tuition and Financial Aid FAQ | Knowledge Base | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
- Application and Enrollment FAQ | Knowledge Base | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
- Summer Springboard @ UCLA - Summer Program for High School Students
- Apply Now | Enrollment | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
- Apply Now | Enrollment | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
- 2026 HS 2-week Animation V2
- Tuition Protection Plan T&C
- Summer Animation Course for High Schoolers in Los Angeles
Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.
What we verified (on 26 Aug 2026)
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