Digital Academy Pre-College Program
A pre-college creative experience designed for neurodivergent thinkers. Like you.
Ages 14+ | Online or In-Person | Intermediate to Advanced
You’ll work alongside professional artists and designers, build real projects, and develop a portfolio that reflects how you think. Your path to a college art program and beyond starts right here.
30 participants. Fully underwritten through the support of the Antioch Foundation.
We think there’s a better way for neurodivergent thinkers to flourish. So we created it.
There are talented, creative, deeply original thinkers everywhere. But the path from creativity to opportunity? That path wasn’t built with neurodivergent minds in mind.
Portfolio expectations are unclear. Feedback is inconsistent or lacks context and appreciation of your subject matter interest. And too often, neurodivergent learners are left to figure it out on their own.
Digital Academy is a pre-college experience designed to help neurodivergent students move from creative interest to creative direction.
Here, you won’t just make things, you’ll build and grow towards your future.
With guidance from professional artists, designers, and creative technologists, participants will:
Develop original portfolio pieces
Refine their process through real feedback
Explore different creative disciplines (Illustration & Design, 3D Modeling, Animation& Media)
Begin to see where their work can take them
This isn’t about keeping up. It’s about building something that’s truly your own.
Learn from working artists and designers.
These are working artists, designers, and creative technologists—people actively building careers in the industries you’re stepping into.
A pathway to the most creative you.
SideQuest and Quest are part of a larger creative continuum that’s designed to support neurodivergent students as they grow, explore, and move toward real-world opportunities.
SideQuest
Build skills. Experiment in 2D, 3D, and 4D. Try new tools and ideas in a supportive, gamified, low-pressure environment.
SideQuest is a good fit if you…
Want to improve specific skills like drawing, design, 3D modeling, or animation
Want to gain experience in the exact skills and concepts needed for a strong scholarship-level portfolio.
Like shorter, focused experiences with clear goals and outcomes
Want to try new tools, styles, or creative directions without a long commitment
Are building confidence before jumping into larger portfolio projects
Program Details
Format: Online or In-Person
Time: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4:00–6:00 pm. Note: All times listed are Central Time (CT).
Sessions: Six, 2-hour sessions over a 3-week block
Tuition: Underwritten by the generous support of the Antioch Foundation
Ages:14+
Quest
Go deeper. Develop more advanced work, refine your voice, and begin shaping a focused portfolio.
Quest is a good fit if you…
Want to build strong portfolio pieces for art school applications
Have an idea (or many ideas) you’re excited to develop into finished work
Are ready to work more independently with guidance from professional artists
Want thoughtful feedback to refine your style, technique, and presentation
Like seeing a project through from concept to completion
Program Details
Format: Online or In-Person
Time: Tuesdays and Fridays, 4:00–6:00 pm. Note: All times listed are Central Time (CT).
Sessions: Six, 2-hour sessions over a 3-week block
Tuition: Underwritten by the generous support of the Antioch Foundation
Ages:14+
IOB assists in setting up calendars, examining the application requirements, and establishing a rhythm and community that strengthens the creative’s confidence.
From first ideas to finished work, this is a path designed to meet you where you are, and take you where you want to go.
You’ve got the ideas. Let’s build what’s next.
Bring your ideas. Your curiosity. Your unique way of thinking. We’ll help you turn it into something real…Elevated skills. Portfolio ready. Confidence to take on what’s next.
Thanks to the generous support of The Antioch Foundation, we’re able to offer this pre-college experience to 30 participants…fully underwritten.
Antioch Pre-College Cohort — 30 fully funded spots