Tech Ready Youth: Animation

Unlocking Creativity, Empowering Futures: Tech Ready Youth

How Our Program Works

Tech Ready Youth is an innovative and holistic program designed to empower young individuals between the ages of 16 and 25 with animation skills, job readiness training, and a strong focus on mental health support. Our mission is to not only nurture budding animators but also prioritize their well-being, fostering creativity and resilience as they embark on their animation journey.

Animation, with its limitless possibilities for self-expression, offers an avenue for participants to channel their emotions and creativity positively. Our program recognizes the importance of mental health and how creative outlets can play a significant role in promoting well-being. By incorporating mental health support into every aspect of the program, we aim to create a safe and nurturing environment where participants can thrive both artistically and emotionally.

Our program is

1. Animation Workshops: Participants will engage in hands-on animation workshops led by industry professionals. These workshops are not only geared towards developing technical skills but also encouraging self-expression and emotional exploration through the art of animation.
2. Job Readiness Training: Our comprehensive job readiness curriculum goes beyond professional skills development. We integrate mental health awareness and coping strategies, equipping participants with tools to manage stress, anxiety, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
3. Creative Expression for Mental Health: The program will provide dedicated sessions that focus on using animation as a tool for emotional expression and healing. Participants will explore themes of self-discovery, resilience, and self-compassion, enhancing their mental well-being through their creative endeavors.
4. Mindfulness and Stress Reduction: Mindfulness practices, including meditation and relaxation techniques, will be incorporated into the program. These practices have been shown to reduce stress, improve focus, and promote overall emotional well-being.
5. Mental Health Check-ins: Throughout the program, participants will have regular check-ins with trained mental health professionals who will provide support, guidance, and resources to address any challenges they may face.
6. Peer Support and Community Building: Tech Ready Youth fosters a strong sense of community and peer support among participants. Group discussions, collaborative projects, and mentorship opportunities will be available to ensure a supportive network that values mental health and well-being.
7. Continuing Support: After completing the program, participants will have access to ongoing mental health resources and community engagement. We believe in building a lasting support system that extends beyond the program’s duration.

Why We Created Program:
We are driven to implement the Tech Ready Youth program by the pressing need to address critical challenges faced by today’s youth. Unemployment rates among young individuals continue to remain alarmingly high, with global figures showing that nearly 13% of youth are without work opportunities. Additionally, the animation industry is witnessing remarkable growth, projected to reach a staggering $567 billion by 2027.

However, there is a noticeable shortage of skilled professionals in the animation sector, exacerbating the existing digital skills gap. By equipping youth aged 16-25 with animation expertise through our program, we aim to empower them with the necessary tools to seize these burgeoning employment opportunities.

Furthermore, mental health issues among young people are on the rise, with approximately 1 in 5 youth experiencing mental health challenges. Through Tech Ready Youth, we strive to create a nurturing and supportive environment that not only fosters creative talent but also prioritizes participants’ mental well-being. By incorporating mental health support and mindfulness practices into the program, we envision empowering a generation of resilient animators who are not only job-ready but also emotionally equipped to overcome life’s challenges with confidence. With a strong focus on both skill development and mental well-being, Tech Ready Youth is a program that aims to unlock the potential of young minds, preparing them for a brighter and more fulfilling future.