Digital Academy: CollabQuest
Creative Challenges for Neurodivergent Learners
CollabQuest is a project-based design experience for neurodivergent individuals (14+) in the IOB community. In partnership with leading organizations, participants tackle real-world design challenges with guidance from experienced mentors.
Each CollabQuest includes:
A structured design challenge based on a real-world brief
Collaboration with peers and industry professionals
Flexible, self-paced work with structured support
Opportunities to share progress and receive feedback
CollabQuest meetings provide guidance and collaboration, while most design work happens independently. Participants receive a 6:1 student-to-mentor ratio, access to learning resources, and a digital workspace to showcase their progress.
Register to join a creative journey where innovation meets community!
What does it look like?
Here’s a look at a past CollabQuest, where eight neurodivergent Islands of Brilliance students conducted field research and designed mud guards for Serpentijn Art + Athletics.
Program Outcomes
Creative Problem-Solving – Strengthen critical thinking and innovation skills.
Collaboration & Communication – Work effectively with peers and mentors.
Independence & Self-Management – Build confidence in self-directed learning.
Real-World Skills – Gain experience with emerging technologies and teamwork.
Supportive & Inclusive Environment – Learn in a stress-free, community-focused space.
This Program is a Good Fit For
Students 14+ who love to dive deep in learning new software, working on a team, and find meaning in work-based learning.
Please note:
CollabQuests are open to anyone in the IOB community ages 14+
Students will be expected to work on their projects outside of the scheduled meeting times
Summer 2025 CollabQuest
Animate the Action with the Milwaukee Brewers!
Community Partner:
Project Objective
Step into the action! This CollabQuest takes animation beyond the screen and into the stadium. Over four sessions, students will explore how motion graphics energize the fan experience at a professional baseball game. It all starts with an unforgettable game and behind-the-scenes tour of the Brewers’ scoreboard control center at American Family Field. Then, participants will head to IOB’s brand-new studio to create short, frame-by-frame animations that highlight key moments in the game, like home runs, stolen bases, and triple plays.
Using Procreate or Procreate Dreams, learners will bring the energy of the ballpark to life. The Brewers’ graphics team will format these animations. While there’s no guarantee they’ll play during a game, they’ll be built to meet professional specs – and they just might!
This is more than just a class – it’s an opportunity to collaborate, create, and grow as a digital storyteller.
Project Details
Format: In-Person
Dates: Fridays, July 11 & 25, August 1 & 8
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm CST (except July 11, 7:00 pm game time)
Duration: One Game Day Tour + Three 2-Hour Studio Sessions
Price: $400 (Game costs such as parking, food & drink not included)
Locations:
Friday, July 11: American Family Field (Brewers Game + Control Center Tour)
(1 Brewers Way, Milwaukee, WI 53214)
Game time 7:00 pm – details, such as costs and drop off/pick up times, will be shared with participants.Fridays, July 25, August 1, August 8: IOB’s Studio at the Eagleknit
(507 S 2nd St, Suite 305, Milwaukee, WI 53204)
What to Expect:
Game & Scoreboard Graphics Tour:
Attend a Brewers game, and after, go behind the scenes at American Family Field with Steven Armendariz, Senior Motion Graphics Designer for the Brewers, to see how animations power the live game experience.Hands-On Animation Studio Time:
Create original frame-by-frame animations using Procreate or Procreate Dreams. Each student will design animations for real stadium prompts – like “RBI” or “Stolen Base.”Real-World Motion Design Experience:
Animations will follow professional specs used in the Brewers’ proprietary system, giving students firsthand insight into how pros work.Creative Collaboration + Feedback:
Students will share work, receive feedback, and refine their designs in a supportive, peer-driven studio environment.Bring Your Tools (Optional):
All equipment is provided, but learners are welcome to bring their own iPad (with Apple Pencil) and Procreate/Dreams installed for the best experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About CollabQuest
-
CollabQuest is Hybrid (online and in-person). Some sessions will be at partner locations and other sessions will be online.
-
Digital Academy uses creative technologies and community as a bridge to Social Emotional Learning (SEL) development. All DA programs assume that the student can work with some level of independence in a group setting with roaming support by IOB staff including IOB Creative Technologists, Mentors, and/or Special Educators.
Students who need one-to-one support may find other IOB programs – such as Foundation Workshops – a better fit. Please contact the IOB Team (connect@islandsofbrilliance.org) if you have specific questions regarding the support your student may need.
-
There is an expectation that students will focus on good decision-making skills and work on guided tasks on their own time between Thursday CollabQuest sessions. CollabQuests programs that happen as consecutive day workshops/camps would have less outside of work time.
-
Students get a badge ring when they enter DA Programming with slots for earning badges. These badges indicate each student's level of engagement and are not representative of any rank. Each completed CollabQuest/Sprint carries a unique 'Einstein hat.' These badges come together to create a non-repeating pattern. CollabQuest badges are awarded at the end of a CollabQuest and stay with the student for the duration of their time at IOB.
-
No. DA sessions are not recorded. Attendance is critical to success. However, IOB understands sometimes unexpected circumstances and calendar conflicts arise. IOB will work with families where possible. IOB staff cannot offer time to make up missed CollabQuest sessions because we are working with an outside partner's time and schedule.
-
Follow this link to register.
-
Chris Willey, the Director of Technology at IOB, is the main person behind all Digital Academy programming. Please email chris@islandsofbrilliance.org with questions.
Explore Our Programs
-
Open Lab Programs
Our most frequent and accessible options, Open Lab Programs provide a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment for your child to learn, create, and connect…including our Daily Doodle Lounge!
-
Foundation Programs
Led by a certified educator, students are paired with a professional design mentor to learn technical software skills using various creative technologies and build social and emotional development skills.
-
Academy Programs
The most rigorous IOB program, Digital Academy provides apprentice-style instruction in a product-based learning environment.
-
Community Programs
Whether you’re a young adult living with autism or is someone who loves and supports them, we know life can be challenging. Our Community Support programs provide professional and peer guidance to help along the journey.